Abdul, JM, Vigneswaran, S, Shim, WG & Kandasamy, J 2010, 'Removal of metsulfuron methyl by granular activated carbon adsorption', Desalination and Water Treatment, vol. 21, no. 1-3, pp. 247-254.
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The removal of metsulfuron methyl (MSM) from aqueous solution (a sulfonyl urea herbicide) was investigated by adsorption both in batch and fixed bed processes. Coal based granular activated carbon (GAC) was used as an adsorbent. The adsorption equilibrium, isotherms and kinetics of MSM were studied and the data was fitted into various mathematical models. The adsorption equilibrium was fitted by Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms. Homogeneous surface diffusion model (HSDM) kinetic equation with Langmuir and Freundlich adsorption isotherm model was successfully applied to predict the adsorption kinetics data for various concentrations of MSM. The average mass transfer coefficients (kf) were 2.125 105 and 2.198 105 m/s with the Langmuir and Freundlich adsorption isotherm model, respectively. The Bohart-Adams, Thomas, and Yoon and Nelson empirical models were attempted to fit long term column adsorption data. Overall, the Thomas model was found to best simulate the fixed bed adsorption of MSM.
Aljibori, HSS, Chong, WP, Mahlia, TMI, Chong, WT, Edi, P, Al-qrimli, H, Anjum, I & Zahari, R 2010, 'Load–displacement behavior of glass fiber/epoxy composite plates with circular cut-outs subjected to compressive load', Materials & Design, vol. 31, no. 1, pp. 466-474.
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Al-Mahmoud, F, Castel, A, François, R & Tourneur, C 2010, 'RC beams strengthened with NSM CFRP rods and modeling of peeling-off failure', Composite Structures, vol. 92, no. 8, pp. 1920-1930.
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Anbazhagan, P, Indraratna, B, Rujikiatkamjorn, C & Su, L 2010, 'Using a seismic survey to measure the shear modulus of clean and fouled ballast', Geomechanics and Geoengineering, vol. 5, no. 2, pp. 117-126.
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In this paper a first time attempt has been made to measure the low strain shear modulus of clean and fouled ballast using a seismic survey of Multi-channel Analysis of Surface Wave (MASW). A model rail track was built with nine sub-sections, each having different fouling characteristics. MASW survey was performed in the top of each section of ballast and shear wave velocity was measured. The shear modulus of ballast fouled by pulverized rock, clayey sand and coal was calculated by using shear wave velocities and densities of each section and presented. The optimum and critical fouling points are defined considering the shear stiffness and drainage criteria for ballast fouled by clayey sand and coal. In both cases the shear stiffness increased to a maximum and then decreased as the percentage of fouling increased. The degree of fouling corresponding to the maximum shear wave velocity is defined as the optimum fouling point. After a particular degree of fouling the shear stiffness decreased less than clean ballast and the corresponding drainage condition become unacceptable. This point is defined as the critical fouling point. The results obtained from the model track were compared with the field data. © 2010 Taylor & Francis.
Aryal, R, Vigneswaran, S, Kandasamy, J & Naidu, R 2010, 'Urban stormwater quality and treatment', Korean Journal of Chemical Engineering, vol. 27, no. 5, pp. 1343-1359.
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Stormwater runoff from urban and suburban areas generates numerous pollutants. The areas include residential areas, parks, commercial areas, industrial areas and road/highways. Land use and human activities largely determine the nature and level of pollutants. Among the various types of pollutants that can contribute to adverse water quality impact in receiving water bodies, of concern are suspended solids, heavy metals, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and nutrients. This paper provides a critical review of the characteristics and sources of urban stormwater pollutants and the manner in which the pollution occurs. Treatment systems for urban stormwater runoff and for urban stormwater harvesting are discussed.
Aryal, R, Vigneswaran, S, Kandasamy, J, Baral, B & Grasmick, A 2010, 'Influence of aeration and permeate flux on deposition of particulates on membrane surface', Water Supply, vol. 10, no. 6, pp. 979-986.
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In microfiltration, a deposit of foulant tends to form on the membrane surface and this usually controls the performance of the filtration process. This paper discusses the influence of physical parameters such as aeration and permeates flux on migration and deposition of above micron particles on the membrane surface. Kaolin clay suspension of particle 3.7–8 μm with mean particle diameter 4.1 μm was used in this study. Equal amount of mass of deposited particles on the membrane surface created different transmembrane pressure (TMP) when operated at different aeration rates and permeate flux showing that there is a composite effect. The particle deposition rate at the beginning at lower flux was almost linear which changed to a sharp logarithamic rise at higher flux. The difference in TMP rise for the same amount of deposit demonstrated the selective nature of particle deposition. The mass of the particle deposition on the membrane surface could be described by two parameters: maximum deposition and time using a simple empirical logarithamic equation y=k/[1+exp(b−at)], where k, a, and b are constant; y is the particulate mass deposit (g/m2) and t is the time. The maximum particle mass deposition growth could be described by the equation dy/dt=1/4ka.
Atkins, A, Bignal, KL, Zhou, JL & Cazier, F 2010, 'Profiles of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and polychlorinated biphenyls from the combustion of biomass pellets', Chemosphere, vol. 78, no. 11, pp. 1385-1392.
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An investigation was made into the emissions of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) as well as inorganic gases (e.g. CO) from a wood fired combustion boiler using wood pellets, under two different boiler operating modes. Levels of total PAHs varied from 6.4 and 154 μg m-3, and were found to be dominating in the gas phase (>80%), regardless of pellet type and boiler operating mode. In addition to this, PAH concentrations were higher in slumber mode than in full flame, and increased with the moisture content of pellets, consistent with the lower combustion efficiency in slumber mode (58.6-64.3%) than in full flame (74.4-82.3%). PAHs in the gas phase comprised mainly of low molecular mass compounds, while PAHs in the particulate phase were mostly composed of high molecular mass compounds, consistent with the physicochemical properties of such compounds. In comparison to PAHs, significantly lower concentrations of PCBs (a maximum of 2.5 μg m-3) were released from pellet combustion, consistent with the virgin nature of the pellets. The PCBs in both the gas and particulate phases were dominated by hexachlorinated congeners, although congeners with more chlorine substitution were more abundant in the particulate phase than in gas phase. Significant relationships were established between CO and organic pollutants, and between PAHs and PCBs, which are useful tools for prediction purposes. © 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Balaam, JL, Grover, D, Johnson, AC, Jürgens, M, Readman, J, Smith, AJ, White, S, Williams, R & Zhou, JL 2010, 'The use of modelling to predict levels of estrogens in a river catchment: How does modelled data compare with chemical analysis and in vitro yeast assay results?', Science of The Total Environment, vol. 408, no. 20, pp. 4826-4832.
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Effluent discharges at Rodbourne sewage treatment works (STWs) were assessed using chemical and in vitro biological analysis as well as modelling predictions. Results showed that Rodbourne STW discharged less estrone (E1) than expected, but similar 17β-estradiol (E2) and 17α-ethinyl estradiol (EE2) to those predicted by a widely cited effluent prediction model. The Exposure Analysis Modelling System (EXAMS) model was set up using measured effluent concentrations as its starting point to predict estrogen concentrations along a 10. km length of the receiving water of the River Ray. The model adequately simulated estrogen concentrations along the river when compared to July 2007 measured data. The model predicted combined estrogen equivalents in reasonable agreement with estrogenicity as measured by passive sampler (POCIS) extracts using the yeast estrogen screen. Using gauged mean flow values for 2007 the model indicated that the most important determinand for estrogen exposure in the Ray was not season, but proximity to the Rodbourne effluent. Thus, fish in the first 3. km downstream of Rodbourne were typically exposed to two or even three times more estrogens than those living 7-10. km further downstream. The modelling indicated that, assuming the effluent estrogen concentrations measured in February 2008 were typical, throughout the year the whole length of the Ray downstream of Rodbourne would be estrogenic, i.e. exceeding the 1. ng/L E2 equivalent threshold for endocrine disruption. © 2010.
Ball, JE & Rankin, K 2010, 'The hydrological performance of a permeable pavement', URBAN WATER JOURNAL, vol. 7, no. 2, pp. 79-90.
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Urban stormwater runoff is a transport medium for many contaminants from anthropogenic sources. There are many alternative management strategies available to treat these contaminants. One of the technologies suggested for this purpose is the use of permeable pavements to minimise the quantity of surface runoff generated by impervious surfaces within an urban catchment. Reported herein are the results of a monitoring program undertaken to assess the effectiveness of permeable road surface for managing the quantity and quality of stormwater runoff. It was found that the catchment, where the permeable road surface was installed, had the effective imperviousness reduced from 45% prior to reconstruction of the road surface to less than 5% after reconstruction of the road. Furthermore, it was found that the generation of surface runoff from the permeable road surface required a rainfall intensity in excess of 20 mm/h. Finally, the quality of the surface runoff was found to be at the lower levels of runoff from road surfaces. © 2010 Taylor & Francis.
Bhattacharyya, NK, De, A, Bera, P, Mongal, S, Chakraborty, S & Bandopadhyay, R 2010, 'Ovarian tumors in pediatric age group - A clinicopathologic study of 10 years′ cases in West Bengal, India', Indian Journal of Medical and Paediatric Oncology, vol. 31, no. 02, pp. 54-57.
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Abstract Background and objectives: Objective in this retrospective study is to find out the incidence of different ovarian tumors of girls up to 20 years of age observed in last ten years in North Bengal Medical College and to correlate clinical and gross findings with histopathologic findings and to compare the incidence with other studies and follow-up of patients with malignant ovarian tumors. Materials and Methods: Findings were retrieved from records of different pathological reports and clinical reports. Results: Total 151 cases of ovarian tumors were received in pathology department in which 34 cases were malignant (22.6%). Amongst malignant cases, 66% are of germ-cell origin-dysgerminoma being the commonest. Strikingly we got 9 cases of malignant surface epithelial tumor. As per follow-up records most of the dysgerminoma came in stage IA and recovered fully following chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Amongst other malignant tumors, few lost the follow-up management and others expired due to metastasis. Conclusions: Patients from hilly areas of North Bengal and low socio-economic status led to lower detection rate of ovarian tumors in early stage which are absolutely necessary for proper guidelines of management to reduce mortality.
Biswajeet, P & Hamid, A 2010, 'Forest fire detection and monitoring using high temporal MODIS and NOAA AVHRR satellite images in peninsular Malaysia', Disaster Advances, vol. 3, no. 2, pp. 18-23.
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Forest fires cause significant economic damages and hazard to environment all over the world. Apart from preventive measures, early warning and fast extinction of fires are the only chance to avoid major casualties and damage to nature. This paper describes methodology based on remote sensing and GIS for provision of various early warning of forest fire (so called hot spots) danger conditions for regulatory authorities to take actions for mitigation. Hot spot locations were identified through an automated procedure from high temporal satellite images such as MODIS and NOAA AVHRR scenes. Combination of the Daily Hotspot Images coupled with various GIS layers was used to generate Active Forest Fire Map for the study area. Results from the model can support detection and monitoring for wild fires in the forest and enhance alert system junction by simulating and visualizing forest fire and helps for contingency planning.
Biswajeet, P & Saied, P 2010, 'Comparison between prediction capabilities of neural network and fuzzy logic techniques for L and slide susceptibility mapping', Disaster Advances, vol. 3, no. 3, pp. 26-34.
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Preparation of L and slide susceptibility maps is important for engineering geologists and geomorphologists. However, due to complex nature of L and slides, producing a reliable susceptibility map is not easy. In recent years, various data mining and soft computing techniques are getting popular for the prediction and classification of L and slide susceptibility and hazard mapping. This paper presents a comparative analysis of the prediction capabilities between the neural network and fuzzy logic model for L and slide susceptibility mapping in a geographic information system (GIS) environment. In the first stage, L and slide-related factors such as altitude, slope angle, slope aspect, distance to drainage, distance to road, lithology and normalized difference vegetation index (ndvi) were extracted from topographic and geology and soil maps. Secondly, L and slide locations were identified from the interpretation of aerial photographs, high resolution satellite imageries and extensive field surveys. Then L and slide-susceptibility maps were produced by the application of neural network and fuzzy logic approahc using the aforementioned L and slide related factors. Finally, the results of the analyses were verified using the L and slide location data and compared with the neural network and fuzzy logic models. The validation results showed that the neural network model (accuracy is 88%) is better in prediction than fuzzy logic (accuracy is 84%) models. Results show that 'gamma' operator (X = 0.9) showed the best accuracy (84%) while 'or' operator showed the worst accuracy (66%).
Carpi, LC, Saco, PM & Rosso, OA 2010, 'Missing ordinal patterns in correlated noises', Physica A: Statistical Mechanics and its Applications, vol. 389, no. 10, pp. 2020-2029.
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Castel, A, Vidal, T & François, R 2010, 'Bond and cracking properties of self-consolidating concrete', Construction and Building Materials, vol. 24, no. 7, pp. 1222-1231.
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Chanan, A, Saravanamuth, V, Kandasamy, J & Shon, HK 2010, 'Chemical-assisted physico-biological water mining system', PROCEEDINGS OF THE INSTITUTION OF CIVIL ENGINEERS-WATER MANAGEMENT, vol. 163, no. 9, pp. 469-474.
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Water mining is the process of extracting valuable water from a sewerage network by treating raw sewage to high standards. A range of commercially viable water mining treatment technologies are now available to treat sewage to specified water quality targets. Most of these technologies have minimal plant footprint requirements, making them suitable for decentralised operations. This paper discusses a hybrid water mining system that includes chemically assisted fine solids separation followed by a biological treatment process. Results from the first proof testing of this water mining system in Sydney, Australia are presented. The results confirm the suitability of the hybrid system for producing high-quality water for non-potable reuse.
Chanan, A, Vigneswaran, S & Kandasamy, J 2010, 'Valuing stormwater, rainwater and wastewater in the soft path for water management: Australian case studies', Water Science and Technology, vol. 62, no. 12, pp. 2854-2861.
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A Water Sensitive City is now commonly acknowledged best practice for designing the cities of the future. In Australia, the National Water Initiative has allocated high priority towards offering insight into successful water sensitive urban development projects, to facilitate capacity building within the industry. This paper shares innovative water sensitive projects implemented at Kogarah City Council, in Sydney. Four key projects are discussed, demonstrating how stormwater, rainwater and wastewater can be incorporated into decentralised water systems to offer sustainable water management of the future. The case studies included in the paper highlight Kogarah's journey towards the Soft Path for Water Management.
Chanan, AP, Kandasamy, JK, Vigneswaran, S, Spyrakis, G, Ghetti, I & idris, E 2010, 'Applied Rainwater Harvesting Education: An Australian Case Study', Journal of Environmental Science and Engineering, vol. 4, no. 3, pp. 32-35.
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Rainwater tanks have been an integral part of the Australian landscape given the vital role these tanks have played over the years in rural Australia. In the past Local government and Water Authorities actively discouraged the use of rainwater tanks and informing citizens that they were illegal and dangerous. Kogarah Council within the Sydney metropolitan area is a proactive Council, and became the first council in Sydney to adopt Total Water Cycle Management (TWCM) principles into its Sustainability Management Plan, integrating these principles into on-ground projects at a catchment level in a planned and strategic approach. Among it priority projects was the Rainwater Tanks in Schools. This paper outlines how this project assisted all 22 schools in the Kogarah LGA (The Local Government Association) to increase the efficiency of water use and install rainwater tanks to reduce potable water use in toilet flushing and irrigating school gardens. The rainwater harvesting reduced the amount of drinking water used for toilet flushing and/or irrigation. The rainwater tanks also act as a visual reminder to conserve water for the students. The project has equipped the next generation with the necessary tools to make informed decisions and undertake actions that will move towards achieving sustainability.
Chen, X, Lingam, HK, Huang, Z, Yisgedu, T, Zhao, J-C & Shore, SG 2010, 'Thermal Decomposition Behavior of Hydrated Magnesium Dodecahydrododecaborates', The Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters, vol. 1, no. 1, pp. 201-204.
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Chinu, K, Johir, AH, Vigneswaran, S, Shon, HK & Kandasamy, J 2010, 'Assessment of pretreatment to microfiltration for desalination in terms of fouling index and molecular weight distribution', DESALINATION, vol. 250, no. 2, pp. 644-647.
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In this study, different processes such as flocculation with ferric chloride (FeCl3) and deep bed filtration (sand filtration and dual media filtration) as a pre-treatment to microfiltration (MF) were used for seawater desalination. The performance of these pre-treatments was determined in terms of silt density index (SDI) and modified fouling index (MFI) and flux decline in MF. Flux decline of MF with seawater was 45% without any pre-treatment, 42% after pre-treatment of FeCl3 flocculation, 24% after pre-treatment of sand filtration with in-line coagulation and 22% after pre-treatment of dual media filtration (sand and anthracite), respectively. MFI and SDI also indicated that deep bed filtration with in-line flocculation was better pretreatment than flocculation alone. Detailed molecular weight distribution (MWD) of seawater organic matter was examined after different pretreatments. MWD of the initial seawater mainly ranged from 1510 Da to 130 Da. Deep bed filtration with in-line flocculation removed relatively large molecular weight of organic matter (1510â1180 Da), while the small molecular weights (less than 530 Da) were not removed.
Chinu, K, Vigneswaran, S, Erdei, L, Shon, HK, Kandasamy, J & Ngo, HH 2010, 'Comparison of fouling indices in assessing pre-treatment for seawater reverse osmosis', DESALINATION AND WATER TREATMENT, vol. 18, no. 1-3, pp. 187-191.
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In this study, different processes such as fl occulation with ferric chloride (FeCl3) and deep bed filtration (sand filtration and dual media filtration) as a pre-treatment were used for seawater desalination. The performance of these pre-treatments was determined in terms of silt density index (SDI) and modified fouling index by using microfilter (MF-MFI), ultrafilter (UF-MFI), and nanofi lter (NF-MFI) membrane. MFI and SDI indicated that deep bed filtration with in-line flocculation was better pre-treatment than flocculation alone as colloidal particles are removed after this pretreatment. UF-MFI and NF-MFI indicated that these pretreatment cannot remove dissolved organic matter as the fouling reduction was smaller. Detailed molecular weight distribution (MWD) of seawater organic matter was examined after different pretreatments. MWD of the initial seawater mainly ranged from 1510 Da to 130 Da. Deep bed filtration with in-line flocculation removed relatively large molecular weight of organic matter (1510–1180 Da), while the small molecular weights (less than 530 Da) were not removed. © 2010, Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.
Dachermann, U, Li, J & Samali, B 2010, '1A12 Boundary Damage Identification of a Two-Storey Framed Structure utilizing Frequency Response Functions and Artificial Neural Networks', The Proceedings of the Symposium on the Motion and Vibration Control, vol. 2010, no. 0.
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Dackermann, U, Li, J & Samali, B 2010, 'Dynamic-Based Damage Identification Using Neural Network Ensembles and Damage Index Method', ADVANCES IN STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING, vol. 13, no. 6, pp. 1001-1016.
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This paper presents a vibration-based damage identification method that utilises a 'damage fingerprint' of a structure in combination with Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and neural network techniques to identify defects. The Damage Index (DI) method is used to extract unique damage patterns from a damaged beam structure with the undamaged structure as baseline. PCA is applied to reduce the effect of measurement noise and optimise neural network training. PCA-compressed DI values are, then, used as inputs for a hierarchy of neural network ensembles to estimate locations and severities of various damage cases. The developed method is verified by a laboratory structure and numerical simulations in which measurement noise is taken into account with different levels of white Gaussian noise added. The damage identification results obtained from the neural network ensembles show that the presented method is capable of overcoming problems inherent in the conventional DI method. Issues associated with field testing conditions are successfully dealt with for numerical and the experimental simulations. Moreover, it is shown that the neural network ensemble produces results that are more accurate than any of the outcomes of the individual neural networks.
Ding, GKC 2010, 'Sustainability Assessment of Residential Development – An Australian Experience', International Journal of Construction Management, vol. 10, no. 2, pp. 19-32.
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Environmental performance of residential development has played an important role in achieving the goal of sustainable construction. Green homes have been or are being built in many countries. This paper discusses the issues of sustainability and its roles in residential developments. This paper also examines the development of a building and sustainability index (BASIX) for mandatory assessments of all residential developments in New South Wales (NSW), Australia. Data collection includes examining the methodology of BASIX in assessing sustainability performance of residential development in the three broad areas of energy and water efficiency as well as indoor thermal comfort. The introduction of BASIX has had a profound impact on the construction industry. An online survey of users of BASIX in the construction industry revealed that the tool has played a significant role in providing a guideline for the sustainability performance of a proposed development and lifting the standard of design practices. The tool has led to better thermal comfort for users and reduced water and energy consumption by all new residential developments in NSW. However successful this has been, there is more to be done such as control of waste and energy usage in the manufacturing of building materials.
Dos Santos, A, da Rocha, CG & Lepre, P 2010, 'Barriers and opportunities in developing 'do-it-yourself' products for low-income housing', Journal of Construction in Developing Countries, vol. 15, no. 1, pp. 29-43.
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Direct involvement of the user in the assembling process of his/her own products or even entire house is a reality among low-income populations in developing countries. Nevertheless, there are a limited number of products that have actually been designed from a do-it-yourself (DIY) perspective, which results in several problems, such as poor user safety while the product is being assembled or inadequate results from an improvised assembling. Hence, the main goal of this paper is to analyse barriers to and opportunities for developing DIY products for low-income housing in developing countries. The research method utilises a case study of a DIY product consisting of a hybrid solution that acted as both a partition wall and a wardrobe. The identified opportunities included more systematic use of existing craft competencies among low-income families and the possibility of cost reduction through DIY concepts. Major barriers included the perception of the DIY product as inferior and the difficulty of communicating the DIY assembly process to users who quite often are illiterate.
El Saliby, IJ, Shon, HK, Okour, YH, Vigneswaran, S, Senthilnanthanan, M & Kandasamy, J 2010, 'Production of Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles and Nanostructures from Dye Wastewater Sludge - Characterisation and Evaluation of Photocatalytic activity', JOURNAL OF ADVANCED OXIDATION TECHNOLOGIES, vol. 13, no. 1, pp. 15-20.
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Producing a useful catalyst (TiO2) from sludge is possible after the incineration of sludge produced from the flocculation of wastewater by Ti-salts. In this study, TiO2 was successfully produced from dye wastewater sludge. Titanate nanotubes and nanoaggregates were produced through alkaline-hydrothermal and hydrogen peroxide treatments, respectively. Catalysts were characterised using scanning electron microscope and BET surface measurement. The photocatalytic activity was monitored for the photodegradation of organics in synthetic wastewater (SWW) and the photodecomposition of gas acetaldehyde. Nanotubes with a high surface area of 155.83 m2/g were obtained by alkaline-hydrothermal treatment, while lower surface area (65.22 m2/g) nanoaggregates were synthesized after hydrogen peroxide treatment. In general, nanoparticles, nanotubes and nanoaggregates showed mild photocatalytic activity. All catalysts showed similar photocatalytic activity for the photodecomposition of organics in SWW and the photodecomposition of acetaldehyde.
Erdei, L, Vigneswaran, S & Kandasamy, J 2010, 'Modelling of submerged membrane flocculation hybrid systems using statistical and artificial neural networks methods', JOURNAL OF WATER SUPPLY RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY-AQUA, vol. 59, no. 2-3, pp. 198-208.
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Hybrid membrane filtration processes involve complex physical, chemical and biological phenomena, thus their mechanistic modelling is challenging. The chief advantages of statistical and artificial neural networks (ANN) models (data-driven models) are that they do not require assumptions and simplifications to establish relationships from data. This paper investigates the characteristics and performance of several data-driven methods to model a hybrid membrane system. The focus is on the application of regression analysis and artificial intelligence based methods to a steady-state system. Among empirically based approaches, ANN neural networks methods were found to be very useful to predict permeate quality and membrane fouling. In the past multivariate nonlinear regression had barely been investigated for process modelling in water and waste water treatment. In this study polynomial multivariate nonlinear regression showed a superior performance. Multivariate parametric nonlinear models could match the performance of the nonparametric ANN models in the empirical modelling of complex systems, especially when combined with advanced optimization methods. This paper gives the methodology of how one could optimize a membrane hybrid system using ANN, validating it with one set of data. The same procedure/methodology can be applied to similar systems.
Fang, F, Ni, B-J, Xie, W-M, Sheng, G-P, Liu, S-G, Tong, Z-H & Yu, H-Q 2010, 'An integrated dynamic model for simulating a full-scale municipal wastewater treatment plant under fluctuating conditions', Chemical Engineering Journal, vol. 160, no. 2, pp. 522-529.
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Fatahi, B, Khabbaz, H & Indraratna, B 2010, 'Bioengineering ground improvement considering root water uptake model', ECOLOGICAL ENGINEERING, vol. 36, no. 2, pp. 222-229.
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Bioengineering features of native vegetation are currently being evolved to enhance soil stiffness, slope stabilisation and erosion control. The effects of tree roots on soil moisture content and ground settlement are discussed in this paper. Matric suction induced by tree roots is a key factor, governing the properties of unsaturated soils, directly imparting stability to slopes and resistance for yielding behaviour. A mathematical model for the rate of root water uptake that considers ground conditions, type of vegetation and climatic parameters has been developed. This study highlights the inter-related parameters contributing to the development of a conceptual evapo-transpiration and root moisture uptake equilibrium model that is then incorporated in a comprehensive numerical finite element model. The developed model considers fully coupled-flow-deformation behaviour of soil. Field measurements obtained by the Authors from a site in Victoria, South of Australia, are used to validate the model. In this study, the active tree root distribution has been predicted by measuring soil organic content distribution. The predicted results show acceptable agreement with the field data in spite of the assumptions made for simplifying the effects of soil heterogeneity and anisotropy. The results prove that the proposed root water uptake model can reliably predict the region of the maximum matric suction away from the tree axis. © 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Geng, XY, Indraratna, B & Rujikiatkamjorn, C 2010, 'Analytical solutions for a single vertical drain with time-dependent vacuum combined surcharge preloading in membrane and membraneless systems', IOP Conference Series: Materials Science and Engineering, vol. 10, pp. 012117-012117.
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Ghandeharioon, A, Indraratna, B & Rujikiatkamjorn, C 2010, 'Analysis of Soil Disturbance Associated with Mandrel-Driven Prefabricated Vertical Drains Using an Elliptical Cavity Expansion Theory', International Journal of Geomechanics, vol. 10, no. 2, pp. 53-64.
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Guo, W, Ngo, H-H, Dharmawan, F & Palmer, CG 2010, 'Roles of polyurethane foam in aerobic moving and fixed bed bioreactors', BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY, vol. 101, no. 5, pp. 1435-1439.
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The aim of this study was to investigate the performance of sponge as an active mobile carrier for attachedgrowth biomass in three typical types of aerobic bioreactors to treat a high strength synthetic wastewater. The results show that sponge thickness deteriorated the organic and nutrient removal and 1 cm is the optimumthickness for fixed-bed sponge biofilter (SBF). The sponge volume had significant impact on phosphorus removal rather than organic or nitrogen removal, and 20% volume of sponge could achieve 100% T-P removal within 3 h in a sponge batch reactor (SBR). When sponge coupled with submerged membrane bioreactor (SMBR), the single system show outstanding ammonium (100% at filtration flux of 10 and 15 L/m2 h) and phosphorus (>91% at all fluxes range) removal with optimum pH range of 6â7
Guo, W, Ngo, H-H, Vigneswaran, S, Dharmawan, F, Nguyen, TT & Aryal, R 2010, 'Effect of different flocculants on short-term performance of submerged membrane bioreactor', SEPARATION AND PURIFICATION TECHNOLOGY, vol. 70, no. 3, pp. 274-279.
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This study aims at evaluating the impacts of flocculant addition to a submerged membrane bioreactor (SMBR). Three types of common flocculants (FeCl3, PACl and chitosan) were tested based on the performance of organic and nutrients removal, respiration test and fouling control. The data showed that all of the flocculants not only could keep high removal efficiencies of DOC and COD (>90%) compared to SMBR alone, but also exhibited different advantages and disadvantages according to the properties of the flocculants. For instance, inorganic flocculants strongly affected the nitrification process and organic flocculant addition slightly reduced the phosphorus removal efficiency in SMBR. After adding FeCl3 and PACl, NH4-N removal decreased to 31.9% and 11.1%, while T-N removal dropped to 22% and 0.5% respectively. Although flocculants addition improved sludge settleability and oxygen transfer to some extent, organic flocculant obtained more stable sludge volume indexes (SVI) and specific oxygen uptake rates (SOUR) than those of inorganic flocculants. Inorganic flocculants, on the other hand, led to more reduction of soluble microbial products (SMP) present in mixed liquor and lower membrane fouling rates (1.3 and 2.6 kPa/day for FeCl3 and PACl respectively). © 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Guo, WS, Zhang, R, Vigneswaran, S, Ngo, HH & Kandasamy, J 2010, 'Membranes coupled with physico chemical treatment in water reuse', WATER SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, vol. 61, no. 2, pp. 513-519.
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In this study, short-term experiments were conducted with different configurations of membrane hybrid systems to treat biological treated sewage effluent containing refractory organic pollutants: (i) submerged hollow fiber microfiltration (SMF) alone; (ii) spiral flocculator (SF)-SMF without settling; (iii) SF-PAC-SMF without settling and (iv) SMF with magnetic ion exchange resin MIEXw pretreatment. The results indicated that the pre-flocculation of SF could improve the mitigation of membrane fouling significantly even when the system was operated at a high membrane filtration rate. The transmembrane pressure (TMP) of SF-PAC-SMF only increased marginally (0.8 kPa over 8 hours). SF-SMF without the addition of powdered activated carbon (PAC) also took a relatively long duration for the TMP to increase. The TMP only increased by 2.5 kPa over 8 hours. The SF-PAC-MF system resulted in a high dissolved organic carbon (DOC) removal of more than 96%. When used as pre-treatment to submerged membranes, the fluidized bed MIEXw contactor could remove a significant amount of organic matter in wastewater. This pre-treatment helped to reduce the membrane fouling and kept the TMP low during the membrane operation.
Haddad, K, Rahman, A, Weinmann, PE, Kuczera, G & Ball, J 2010, 'Streamflow data Preparation for Regional Flood Frequency Analysis: Lessons from Southeast Australia', Australasian Journal of Water Resources, vol. 14, no. 1, pp. 17-32.
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This paper presents a case study on streamf ow data preparation for a regional f ood frequency analysis (RFFA) project for the states of Victoria and NSW, in connection with the forthcoming edition of Australian Rainfall and Runoff. The study gathered annual maximum f ood series data for a large number of stations from Victoria and NSW, and applied various statistical techniques to prepare the f nal data set. It was found that a large primary data set, even if selected using a fairly stringent set of criteria, cannot guarantee a similarly large f nal data set, as streamf ow data are affected by many sources of uncertainty. The trade-offs between quality and quantity are discussed and illustrated. The maximum rating ratio, def ned as the ratio of the largest estimated f ow and the maximum measured f ow at a gauging station, is used to identify stations whose quantiles may be seriously affected by rating curve errors. In a case study involving Victorian stations, the importance of maintaining a high spatial coverage of stations was demonstrated. It was shown that a 50% reduction in the number of stations used in a RFFA resulted in an increase of the standard error of prediction of f ood quantiles up to 90%. © Institution of Engineers Australia, 2010.
Hakimi, M, Feizi, N, Hassani, H, Vahedi, H & Thomas, PS 2010, 'Regeneration of Aromatic Carbonyl Compounds from the Corresponding Oximes Using Tetrapyridine Silver(II) Peroxydisulfate in Acetonitrile and Aqueous Media', Synthetic Communications, vol. 40, no. 5, pp. 725-731.
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The results of the recovery of both aldehyde and ketone carbonyl functionalities from the
oxime derivatives in aromatic carbonyl compounds using tetrapyridine silver(II) peroxydisulfate
[Ag(py)4S2O8] as a stable, mild, and efficient oxidizing agent is reported. Yields in
excess of 85% were achieved at room temperature in both acetonitrile and aqueous media,
making the method versatile and suitable for a wide range of aromatic carbonyl oximes.
Hao, H, Stewart, MG, Li, Z-X & Shi, Y 2010, 'RC Column Failure Probabilities to Blast Loads', International Journal of Protective Structures, vol. 1, no. 4, pp. 571-591.
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Structural reliability analyses are commonly applied to estimation of probabilities of structural damage to static and dynamic loads such as earthquake, wind and wave loads. Although blast loadings acting on structures from accidental explosions or hostile bombings are very difficult to be accurately predicted owing to many uncertain parameters that influence explosion shock wave propagation and shock wave interaction with structures, reliability analyses of structural failure to blast loadings with consideration of uncertainties in blast loading and structural parameters are very limited. Instead, a large safety factor is usually used to account for uncertain variations in blast loading and structural parameters in blast-resistant design and analysis. This may lead to an inaccurate design of structures to resist blast loads, and an inaccurate assessment of structure performance in a given explosion scenario. In this study, reliability analyses of three example RC columns to randomly varying blast loads are carried out. The column dimensions, reinforcement ratios and material strengths are assumed to be normally distributed with the respective design parameters as the mean values. The mean value and standard deviation of the peak reflected pressure and duration of the blast load at various scaled distances are derived from available empirical formulae, and are used in this study to model the blast pressure variations. Failure probabilities of the example RC columns subjected to blast loads of different scaled distances are estimated. Numerical results are compared with those obtained with the deterministic blast loading or deterministic column property assumptions. The importance of considering the random variations of structural properties and blast loadings in assessing the blast load effects on RC columns is discussed.
Hao, X, Wang, Q, Cao, Y & van Loosdrecht, MCM 2010, 'Experimental evaluation of decrease in the activities of polyphosphate/glycogen‐accumulating organisms due to cell death and activity decay in activated sludge', Biotechnology and Bioengineering, vol. 106, no. 3, pp. 399-407.
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AbstractDecrease in bacterial activity (biomass decay) in activated sludge can result from cell death (reduction in the amount of active bacteria) and activity decay (reduction in the specific activity of active bacteria). The goal of this study was to experimentally differentiate between cell death and activity decay as the cause of decrease in bacterial activity. By means of measuring maximal anaerobic phosphate release rates, verifying membrane integrity by live/dead staining and verifying presence of 16S rRNA with fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), the decay rates and death rates of polyphosphate‐accumulating organisms (PAOs) in a biological nutrient removal (BNR) system and a laboratory phosphate removing sequencing batch reactor (SBR) system were determined, respectively, under famine conditions. In addition, the decay rate and death rate of glycogen‐accumulating organisms (GAOs) in a SBR system with an enrichment culture of GAOs were also measured under famine conditions. Hereto the maximal anaerobic volatile fatty acid uptake rates, live/dead staining, and FISH were used. The experiments revealed that in the BNR and enriched PAO‐SBR systems, activity decay contributed 58% and 80% to the decreased activities of PAOs, and that cell death was responsible for 42% and 20% of decreases in their respective activities. In the enriched GAOs system, activity decay constituted a proportion of 74% of the decreased activity of GAOs, and cell death only accounted for 26% of the decrease of their activity. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2010; 106: 399–407. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Hao, X, Wang, Q, Cao, Y & van Loosdrecht, MCM 2010, 'Measuring the activities of higher organisms in activated sludge by means of mechanical shearing pretreatment and oxygen uptake rate', Water Research, vol. 44, no. 13, pp. 3993-4001.
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Hao, X-D, Wang, Q-L, Zhu, J-Y & Van Loosdrecht, MCM 2010, 'Microbiological Endogenous Processes in Biological Wastewater Treatment Systems', Critical Reviews in Environmental Science and Technology, vol. 40, no. 3, pp. 239-265.
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Hasan, AM, Saied, P, Arvin, PAK, Biswajeet, P, Nikouravan, B & Mansor, S 2010, 'Disasters and risk reduction in groundwater: Zagros mountain southwest Iran using geoinformatics techniques', Disaster Advances, vol. 3, no. 1, pp. 51-57.
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For more effective use of ground fresh water resources, a remote sensing and GIS have been used in many places in last decades. The digital topographic maps in scale 1:25000 within GIS environment have been studied to observe the risk reduction and changing of the water resources because of the tectonic activities which are crucial to generate a groundwater disaster in the study area. The area has been visually and digitally interpreted to delineate DEM, drainage network, drainage basin, karst landforms, lineaments and lithology for ground water reduction and possible new locations to explore and reduce the risk reduction and disasters. Image elements are used during visual and digital interpretation. Extensive field works have been attempted using global positioning system (GPS) to collect water samples. The study shows that the groundwater is controlled by geomorphology, landslides, lineament analysis, lithology and topography in the study area. This study shows the advantages of remote sensing and GIS techniques for Karst and water resources study. Use of GIS-technologies makes it possible to construct 3D models of river basins and adjust theoretical reserves of the deposits.
Haskett, M, Oehlers, DJ, Ali, M & Wu, C 2010, 'Analysis of Moment Redistribution in Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Plated RC Beams', Journal of Composites for Construction, vol. 14, no. 4, pp. 424-433.
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Ho, DP, Senthilnanthan, M, Mohammad, JA, Vigneswaran, S, Ngo, HH, Mahinthakumar, G & Kandasamy, J 2010, 'The Application of Photocatalytic Oxidation in Removing Pentachlorophenol from Contaminated Water', JOURNAL OF ADVANCED OXIDATION TECHNOLOGIES, vol. 13, no. 1, pp. 21-26.
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The degradation of sodium salt of pentachlorophenol (PCPS) by photocatalysis with titanium dioxide (TiO2) as the catalyst was investigated. The residual PCPS after photo-degradation was analyzed by high performance liquid chromatograph (HPLC) while the c
Ho, DP, Vigneswaran, S & Ngo, HH 2010, 'Integration of Photocatalysis and Microfiltration in Removing Effluent Organic Matter from Treated Sewage Effluent', SEPARATION SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, vol. 45, no. 2, pp. 155-162.
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An integration of photocatalysis with low-pressure submerged membrane has attracted growing interest for its synergic advantages in water and wastewater treatment. In this study, the adsorption and photocatalytic oxidation of organic compounds by UV light responsive titanium dioxide (TiO2) were investigated. First, the adsorption behavior of the TiO2 was examined by the adsorption isotherm and kinetics experiments. The photocatalytic reactivity of the catalysts was then compared at different operating conditions. The results indicate that the Freundlich model described well the adsorption capacity of both materials. The photocatalytic kinetics showed that the highest removal of effluent organic matter (EfOM) was achieved at an optimum concentration of 1.0 g/L of TiO2. In addition, it was found that the pre-photosensitization with titanium dioxide/ultra-voilet radiation (TiO2/UV) could effectively reduce membrane fouling and enhance the permeate flux of the submerged membrane reactor when it was used as a post-treatment. An increase of 10% in organic removal efficiency was achieved by the posttreatment of membrane filtration. The sustainable flux of the membrane reactor increased from 25 up to 40 L/m2.h when the pretreatment of photocatalysis was used.
Hu, B-L, Zheng, P, Tang, C-J, Chen, J-W, van der Biezen, E, Zhang, L, Ni, B-J, Jetten, MSM, Yan, J, Yu, H-Q & Kartal, B 2010, 'Identification and quantification of anammox bacteria in eight nitrogen removal reactors', Water Research, vol. 44, no. 17, pp. 5014-5020.
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Hu, HS, Wang, J, Jiang, XZ, Li, YC & Li, ZC 2010, 'Design and controllability analysis of a gun magnetorheological recoil damper', Zhendong yu Chongji/Journal of Vibration and Shock, vol. 29, no. 2, pp. 184-188.
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According to gun magnetorheological (MR) recoil damper's characteristics, aiming at the recoil part of a gun system under high impact and high-speed environment, the recoil resistance force's effect on the quiescence and firing stability of the gun was studied. The controllability of a magnetorheological damper to the gun recoil part's movement was also studied. A new gun magnetorheological recoil damper was designed and developed. And a suit of real-time measuring and controlling simulation experimental platform including hardware and software for dynamic response of a gun MR recoil damper under impact load was developed. Considering the dynamic behavior of the MR damper under impact load, an inertia factor was introduced into the dynamic model of the recoil part of the gun system. A shock test was done to measure the designed long-stroke MR damper's dynamic performance under impact load. To evaluate the control effect of the MR damper on the gun recoil movement during recoiling, a hardware-in-loop simulation and a test were performed. The testing results showed that the recoil's resistance and stroke of the designed gun MR recoil damper under impact load can be controlled by changing the applied current. The results lay a foundation for the integrated design and engineering application of the gun recoil force and stroke control.
Huang, Z, Gallucci, J, Chen, X, Yisgedu, T, Lingam, HK, Shore, SG & Zhao, J-C 2010, 'Li2B12H12·7NH3: a new ammine complex for ammonia storage or indirect hydrogen storage', Journal of Materials Chemistry, vol. 20, no. 14, pp. 2743-2743.
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Huang, Z, King, G, Chen, X, Hoy, J, Yisgedu, T, Lingam, HK, Shore, SG, Woodward, PM & Zhao, J-C 2010, 'A Simple and Efficient Way to Synthesize Unsolvated Sodium Octahydrotriborate', Inorganic Chemistry, vol. 49, no. 18, pp. 8185-8187.
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Indraratna, B 2010, 'Recent advances in the application of vertical drains and vacuum preloading in soft soil stabilisation', Australian Geomechanics Journal, vol. 45, no. 2, pp. 1-44.
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Much of the world's essential infrastructure is built along congested coastal belts that are composed of highly compressible and weak soils up to significant depths. Soft alluvial and marine clay deposits have very low bearing capacity and excessive settlement characteristics, with obvious design and maintenance implications on tall structures and large commercial buildings, as well as port and transport infrastructure. Stabilising these soft soils before commencing construction is essential for both long term and short term stability. Pre-construction consolidation of soft soils through the application of a surcharge load alone often takes too long, apart from which, the load required to achieve more than 90% consolidation of these mostly low lying, permeable, and very thick clay deposits can be excessively high over a prolonged period. A system of vertical drains combined with vacuum pressure and surcharge preloading has become an attractive ground improvement alternative in terms of both cost and effectiveness. This technique accelerates consolidation by promoting rapid radial flow which decreases the excess pore-pressure while increasing the effective stress. Over the past 15 years, the Author and his co-workers have developed numerous experimental, analytical and numerical approaches that simulate the mechanics of prefabricated vertical drains (PVDs) and vacuum preloading, including two-dimensional and three-dimensional analyses, and more comprehensive design methods. These recent techniques have been applied to various real life projects in Australia and Southeast Asia. Some of the new design concepts include the role of overlapping smear zones due to P VD-mandrel penetration, pore pressure prediction based on the elliptical cavity expansion theory, and the rise and fall of pore pressure via PVD under cyclic loads. These recent advances enable greater accuracy in the prediction of excess pore water pressure, and lateral and vertical displacement o...
Indraratna, B, Geng, X & Rujikiatkamjorn, C 2010, 'Review of mehods of analysis for the use of vacuum preloading and vertical drains for soft clay improvement', Geomechanics and Geoengineering, vol. 5, no. 4, pp. 223-236.
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The use of vertical drains with vacuum preloading for soft soil improvement has become a booming interest in recent years. In this paper, theoretical and practical developments of the utilization of vertical drain with vacuum preloading are currently reviewed. Geotechnical aspects of factors affecting the performance of vacuum consolidation and conversion procedure for multi-drain analysis are discussed based on the current state of the art. The salient aspects of selected case histories on soft clays and land reclamations are elucidated. © 2010 Taylor &Francis.
Indraratna, B, Ni, J & Rujikiatkamjorn, C 2010, 'Investigation on effectiveness of a prefabricated vertical drain during cyclic loading', IOP Conference Series: Materials Science and Engineering, vol. 10, pp. 012091-012091.
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Indraratna, B, Nimbalkar, S, Christie, D, Rujikiatkamjorn, C & Vinod, J 2010, 'Field Assessment of the Performance of a Ballasted Rail Track with and without Geosynthetics', Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering, vol. 136, no. 7, pp. 907-917.
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INDRARATNA, B, OLIVEIRA, DAF & BROWN, ET 2010, 'A shear-displacement criterion for soil-infilled rock discontinuities', Géotechnique, vol. 60, no. 8, pp. 623-633.
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An infilled rock joint is likely to be the weakest plane in a rock mass. The most pronounced effect of the presence of infill material is the reduction in friction of the discontinuity boundaries (i.e. rock to rock contact of the joint walls). The thicker the infill, the smaller the shear strength of the rock joint. Once the infill reaches a critical thickness, the joint walls (rock) play no significant role in the overall shear strength. Several models have been proposed to predict the peak shear strength of infilled joints under both constant normal load and constant normal stiffness boundary conditions, taking into account the ratio of infill thickness (t) to the height of the joint wall asperity (a), that is the t/a ratio. Models based on the constant normal stiffness condition provide a much more accurate representation of the infilled joint behaviour in the field, but only a limited number of studies have focused on the more realistic constant normal stiffness stress–strain behaviour. This paper presents a critical review of some of the earlier studies and the most recent advancement of a shear-strength model developed at University of Wollongong, Australia, supplemented with laboratory data for model validation. The effect of different factors on the shear behaviour such as the t/a ratio, infill friction angle, joint wall roughness, joint stiffness and type of infill are presented.
Indraratna, B, Oliveira, DAF, Brown, ET & de Assis, AP 2010, 'Corrigendum to “Effect of soil-infilled joints on the stability of rock wedges formed in a tunnel roof”', International Journal of Rock Mechanics and Mining Sciences, vol. 47, no. 7, pp. 1229-1229.
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Indraratna, B, Oliveira, DAF, Brown, ET & de Assis, AP 2010, 'Effect of soil–infilled joints on the stability of rock wedges formed in a tunnel roof', International Journal of Rock Mechanics and Mining Sciences, vol. 47, no. 5, pp. 739-751.
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Indraratna, B, Regmi, G, Nghiem, LD & Golab, A 2010, 'Performance of a PRB for the Remediation of Acidic Groundwater in Acid Sulfate Soil Terrain', Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering, vol. 136, no. 7, pp. 897-906.
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Indraratna, B, Rujikiatkamjorn, C, Ewers, B & Adams, M 2010, 'Class A Prediction of the Behavior of Soft Estuarine Soil Foundation Stabilized by Short Vertical Drains beneath a Rail Track', Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering, vol. 136, no. 5, pp. 686-696.
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Indraratna, B, Rujikiatkamjorn, C, Kelly, R & Buys, H 2010, 'Sustainable soil improvement via vacuum preloading', Proceedings of the Institution of Civil Engineers - Ground Improvement, vol. 163, no. 1, pp. 31-42.
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The application of prefabricated vertical drains combined with vacuum and surcharge preloading is considered to be one of the most environmentally friendly ground improvement techniques. The natural atmospheric pressure is used to generate suction via a vacuum pump. In comparison with other ground improvement methods such as deep piling and deep mixing, this method will not only save a substantial cost in road and rail embankment maintenance and construction but will also enhance the speed of construction of coastal highways and rail tracks and their capacity to carry a greater traffic load. Moreover, as drains with vacuum pressure do not involve chemicals, the soil and groundwater chemistry will not change, unlike cement and lime treatment. Vacuum preloading will also reduce the impact on the environment by minimising the greenhouse gas emissions and the need for quarrying natural sand and gravel. The performances of three full-scale test embankments constructed in Thailand, China and Australia are discussed collectively, demonstrating the advantages and environmental benefits of vacuum consolidation in relation to a standard surcharge-only system.
Indraratna, B, Thakur, PK & Vinod, JS 2010, 'Experimental and Numerical Study of Railway Ballast Behavior under Cyclic Loading', International Journal of Geomechanics, vol. 10, no. 4, pp. 136-144.
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This paper presents the results of the influence of frequency on the permanent deformation and degradation behavior of ballast during cyclic loading. The behavior of ballast under numerous cycles was investigated through a series of large-scale cyclic triaxial tests. The tests were conducted at frequencies ranging from 10-40 Hz, which is equivalent to a train traveling from 73 km/h to 291 km/h over standard gauge tracks in Australia. The results showed that permanent deformation and degradation of ballast increased with the frequency of loading and number of cycles. Much of breakage occurs during the initial cycle; however, there exists a frequency zone of 20 Hz≤f≤30 Hz where cyclic densification takes place without much additional breakage. An empirical relationship among axial strain, frequency and number of cycles has been proposed based on the experimental data. In addition, discrete-element method (DEM) simulations were carried out using PFC2D on an assembly of irregular shaped particles. A novel approach was used to model a two-dimensional (2D) projection of real ballast particles. Clusters of bonded circular particles were used to model a 2D projection of angular ballast particles. Degradation of the bonds within a cluster was considered to represent particle breakage. The results of DEM simulations captured the ballast behavior under cyclic loading in accordance with the experimental observations. Moreover, the evolution of micromechanical parameters such as a distribution of the contact force and bond force developed during cyclic loading was presented to explain the mechanism of particle breakage. It has been revealed that particle breakage is mainly due to the tensile stress developed during cyclic loading and is located mainly in the direction of the movement of ballast particles. © 2010 ASCE.
Jahirul, MI, Masjuki, HH, Saidur, R, Kalam, MA, Jayed, MH & Wazed, MA 2010, 'Comparative engine performance and emission analysis of CNG and gasoline in a retrofitted car engine', Applied Thermal Engineering, vol. 30, no. 14-15, pp. 2219-2226.
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Jegatheesan, V, Shu, L & Ngo, HH 2010, 'Special Issue on the Challenges in Environmental Science and Engineering, CESE-2009 14–17 July, 2009 – Jupiters Hotel, Townsville, Queensland, Australia', Bioresource Technology, vol. 101, no. 5, pp. 1415-1415.
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Jeyakumar, P, Loganathan, P, Sivakumaran, S, Anderson, CWN & McLaren, RG 2010, 'Bioavailability of copper and zinc to poplar and microorganisms in a biosolids-amended soil', AUSTRALIAN JOURNAL OF SOIL RESEARCH, vol. 48, no. 5, pp. 459-469.
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The effects of high concentrations of copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) in a soil treated with biosolids previously spiked with these metals on poplar (Populus deltoidesyunnanensis) were investigated in a pot trial. The total soil metal concentrations in the treatments were 12, 46, 137, and 226mg Cu/kg and 25, 141, 433, and 686mg Zn/kg. Copper accumulation was lower in poplar leaves than Zn and the maximum bioconcentration factor was 0.8 for Cu and 10 for Zn. Copper was not found to be toxic to plants at any level of application or to mycorrhiza up to 137mg/kg, but it was found to be toxic to soil microorganisms at all levels of Cu addition. Copper application increased mycorrhiza colonisation up to 137mg Cu/kg and root dry matter at 226mg Cu/kg, but had no effect on leaf dry matter. Increasing Zn rate decreased all plant and soil parameters. Lower percentages of Cu in the soil exchangeable fraction, and a lower Cu2+ concentrations in soil solution relative to Zn indicated lower bioavailability of Cu. Dehydrogenase activity was reduced by 50% at total solution-phase Cu and Zn concentrations of 0.1 and 27mg/L, respectively, and solid-phase exchangeable Cu and Zn concentrations of 5 and 169mg/kg, respectively. © 2010 CSIRO.
Johir, MAH, Vigneswaran, S & Kandasamy, J 2010, 'Hybrid filtration method for pre-treatment of stormwater', Water Science and Technology, vol. 62, no. 12, pp. 2937-2943.
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In this study the hybrid filtration process (combining fibre filter with deep bed dual media filtration) was investigated as pre-treatment to stormwater. This process was investigated in-terms of reduction in turbidity, dissolved organic carbon (DOC), colour, headloss development across the filters, suspended solids removal, organic matter removal, nutrients and heavy matter (such as iron, copper, lead, zinc) removal efficiency. A comparison was made between the hybrid filter with single media (sand) deep bed filter and fibre filter. It was found that the hybrid filtration system successfully removed turbidity (98%), colour (99%), suspended solids (99%), and DOC (55%). The removal efficiency of heavy metal was relatively low as the concentration of heavy metals present in stormwater was low. The removal efficiency of nitrate, nitrite and phosphorous (as orthophosphate) was 27, 35 and 72% respectively. Hybrid filtration processes showed a better reduction of Modified Fouling Index (MFI) value (from 15.500 s/l2 to 9 s/l2) compared with single media sand, anthracite and fibre filter which were 35 s/l2, 13 s/l2and 14 s/l2 respectively when operated at FeCl3 dose of 15 mg/l.
Keshavarzi, A, Valizadeh, M & Ball, J 2010, 'Experimental Study of the Effects of Submerged Dikes on the Energy and Momentum Coefficients in Compound Channel', Engineering, vol. 02, no. 11, pp. 855-862.
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This paper aims to understand the flow structure around submerged dike in the main channel and flood plain of a compound cross section. The study undertaken to develop this understanding was carried out in a laboratory flume using a submerged vane installed at a 90 degree angle to the bank. In order to study the flow structures, the flow velocity was measured using a three-dimensional Acoustic Doppler Velocity meter (micro-ADV) with data collection rate of 50 Hz. These flow velocity measurements were taken at 500 points on a regular grid. As the tests were undertaken with turbulent flow, these conditions were subcritical. Furthermore, all the tests were undertaken using a fixed bed. The results obtained showed that the momentum transfer and the kinetic energy reduced in two directions. Also the energy and momentum coefficients decreased significantly with the installation of the submerged vane inside the main channel. Finally, streamlines were found to deviate from the side walls of channel into the main channel.
Kim, DH, Shon, HK, Phuntsho, S & Cho, J 2010, 'Determination of the Apparent Charge of Natural Organic Matter', SEPARATION SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, vol. 45, no. 3, pp. 339-345.
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The charge of natural organic matter (NOM) is an important parameter for understanding the membrane fouling and NOM removal mechanism with charged membrane. However, there is a lack of technology to make direct measurement of the NOM charge. In this study, we report a novel concept of measuring an apparent charge of the NOM using selectivity coefficient. The apparent charges of three different NOM containing different structures were evaluated to validate this proposed method. The apparent charge of the NOM exhibited a good correlation with specific UV absorbance of the NOM. This apparent charge is therefore a useful indicator for predicting the membrane fouling and NOM removal in membrane filtration technology. © Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.
Kim, JB, Park, HJ, Shon, HK, Cho, DL, Kim, G-J, Choi, SW & Kim, J-H 2010, 'Preparation of TiO<SUB>2</SUB> Nanoparticle from Ti-Salt Flocculated Sludge with Dye Wastewater', Journal of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, vol. 10, no. 5, pp. 3260-3265.
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Dye wastewater flocculation using TiCl4 and FeSO4 coagulants was studied for organic removal and precipitation efficiency. Moreover, TiCl4 was assessed in a pilot-scale flocculation process to investigate organic removal and solution pH effect. A large amount of TiO2 was produced from sludge of Ti-salt flocculation in dye wastewater. This flocculation process simultaneously reduces a large amount of sludge produced from wastewater. The TiO2 nanoparticle was characterized in terms of physical and chemical properties. Results showed that 77.6% of organic matter was removed from dye wastewater when using FeSO4 as coagulant, while TiCl4 degraded 75.9% of organic matter. On the other hand, floc precipitation efficiency was better for TiCl4 if compared with FeSO4. The optimum concentration of TiCl4 for pilot-scale flocculation was found to be equal to 2.1 g/L. DWT (Dye wastewater titania) size was 15-20 nm, mainly doped with carbon atoms and exhibited a dominant anatase structure. DWT was similar to P-25 in decomposing acetaldehyde under UV-irradiation and complete photocatalytic degradation was achieved after 140 min.
Kim, JB, Seol, D-H, Shon, HK, Kim, G-J & Kim, J-H 2010, 'Preparation and Characterization of Titania Nanoparticles from Titanium Tetrachloride and Titanium Sulfate Flocculation of Dye Wastewater', Journal of the Japan Petroleum Institute, vol. 53, no. 3, pp. 167-172.
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Titanium dioxide (TiO2) is the most widely used metal oxide for environmental applications, cosmetics, paints, electronic paper and solar cells, so demand is increasing rapidly. TiO2 can be produced from Ti-flocculated sludge, which is superior to the co
Kim, SH, Shon, HK & Ngo, HH 2010, 'Adsorption characteristics of antibiotics trimethoprim on powdered and granular activated carbon', JOURNAL OF INDUSTRIAL AND ENGINEERING CHEMISTRY, vol. 16, no. 3, pp. 344-349.
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The adsorption characteristics of trimethoprim (TMP) onto powdered activated carbon (PAC) and granular activated carbon (GAC) were studied. The adsorption isotherms could be plotted using the Langmuir, Freundlich and Toth models with a reasonable degree
Kus, B, Kandasamy, J, Vigneswaran, S & Shon, HK 2010, 'Analysis of first flush to improve the water quality in rainwater tanks', WATER SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, vol. 61, no. 2, pp. 421-428.
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Although most Australians receive their domestic supply from reticulated mains or town water, there are vast areas with very low population densities and few reticulated supplies. In many of these areas rainwater collected in tanks is the primary source of drinking water. Heavy metals have recently become a concern as their concentration in rain water tanks was found to exceed recommended levels suitable for human consumption. Rainwater storage tanks also accumulate contaminants and sediments that settle to the bottom. Although not widely acknowledged, small amounts of contaminants such as lead found in rain water (used as drinking water) may have a cumulative and poisonous effect on human health over a life time. This is true for certain factors that underlie many of the chronic illnesses that are becoming increasingly common in contemporary society. The paper reports on a study which is part of a project that aims to develop a cost effective in-line filtration system to improve water quality in rainwater tanks. To enable this, the characteristics of rainwater need to be known. One component of this characterization is to observe the effects of the first flush on a rainwater tank. Samples of the roof runoff collected from an urban residential roof located in the Sydney Metropolitan Area in the initial first few millimetres of rain were analysed. The results show that bypassing the first 2mm of rainfall gives water with most water quality parameters compliant with the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines (ADWG) standards. The parameters that did not comply were lead and turbidity, which required bypassing approximately the first 5mm of rainfall to meet ADWG standards. Molecular weight distribution (MWD) analysis showed that the concentration of rainwater organic matter (RWOM) decreased with increasing amount of roof runoff.
Kus, B, Kandasamy, J, Vigneswaran, S & Shon, HK 2010, 'Water quality characterisation of rainwater in tanks at different times and locations', WATER SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, vol. 61, no. 2, pp. 429-439.
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Rainwater collected from ten domestic roofs in Sydney and from one in Wollongong, a town south of Sydney, Australia was analysed to determine the water quality and to compare against the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines (ADWG) to determine its suitability as a potable water supply. The pollutants analysed were 13 heavy metals, 8 salts & minerals, pH, ammonia, orthophosphate, conductivity, water hardness, turbidity, total suspended solids, Total dissolved salts & Bicarbonate. The results indicate that the rainwater tested complied to most of the parameters specified in the ADWG. Molecular weight distribution of organic matter from one of the domestic rainwater tanks was analysed in terms of the effects of aging and roof contact. Molecular weight distribution of organic matter in rainwater showed prominent peaks at 37,500 daltons may be due to biopolymers, 850 Da to humic substances, 500 Da to building blocks, 220 Da to low MW acids, and less than 220 Da to amphiphilics. The findings also indicate that the first flush volumes that by-passed the tank can have a significant influence on the water quality in the rainwater tank.
Lebegue, J, Aryal, R, Shon, HK, Vigneswaran, S, Heran, M & Grasmick, A 2010, 'Identification and quantification of foulant in submerged membrane reactor', DESALINATION AND WATER TREATMENT, vol. 24, no. 1-3, pp. 278-283.
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In submerged membrane system, membrane fouling is linked to the reversible accumulation of macromolecules and solids on the membrane surface and the irreversible sorption of soluble molecules inside the pores. In the first part of the paper, the fouling was analysed at two different aeration rates through the determination of membrane resistance due to (a) sludging (Rsludging), (b) irreversible biofilm (Rbiofilm) and (c) adsorption of organic (Radsorption). These results confirm the importance of aeration for sludge control in the bundle. In the second part of the paper, irreversible foulant obtained at different aeration rates were characterised. Membrane air flow rate limits adsorption of biopolymers onto or into the membrane surface.
Lee, E, Shon, HK & Cho, J 2010, 'Biofouling characteristics using flow field-flow fractionation: Effect of bacteria and membrane properties', BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY, vol. 101, no. 5, pp. 1487-1493.
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In this study, membrane biofouling caused by bacteria that have different characteristics was evaluated using flow field-flow fractionation (FlFFF). Three different bacteria which differed from size and shape (Staphylococcus epidermidis, Escherichia coli, Flavobacterium lutescens) were investigated with GM ultrafiltration (UF, rough with a low negative surface charge and relatively high hydrophobicity) and NE70 nanofiltration (NF, smooth with a high negative surface charge and relatively low hydrophobicity) membranes. The FlFFF retention time of S. epidermidis, E. coli and F. lutescens was highly influenced by the ionic strength of the solution and the surface polarity of the membranes and bacteria. The NF membrane was found to have a higher potential of biofouling than the UF membrane with the bacteria tested in this study. E. coli was the most significant biofoulant among the bacteria tested on both membrane surfaces based on FlFFF retention times compared to other bacteria.
Lee, JJ, Johir, MAH, Chinu, KH, Shon, HK, Vigneswaran, S, Kandasamy, J, Kim, CW & Shaw, K 2010, 'Novel pre-treatment method for seawater reverse osmosis: Fibre media filtration', DESALINATION, vol. 250, no. 2, pp. 557-561.
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A high rate fibre filter was used as a pre-treatment to seawater reverse osmosis (SWRO) to reduce membrane fouling. Seawater was drawn from Chowder Bay where the Sydney Institute of Marine Science, Australia is located. A lab-scale fibre filter with a height of 1000 mm and a diameter of 30 mm was used in conjunction with in-line coagulation. The effect of operating the fibre filter with different packing densities (105, 115 kg/m3) and filtration velocities (40, 60 m/h) was investigated in terms of silt density index (SDI10), modified fouling index (MFI), pressure drop (ÎP), turbidity and molecular weight distribution (MWD). The use of in-line coagulation improved the performance of fibre filter as measured by the MFI and SDI. Regardless of filtration velocity and packing density the MFI and SDI10 values remained low as did the turbidity until the end of the filtration run. The MWD analysis showed the removal efficiencies of organic materials like biopolymers, fulvic acids, low MW acids for even experiments with the highest filtration velocity (60 m/h) and lowest packing density (105 kg/m3). This pre-treatment has a small foot print as it has the capacity of operating at a very high filtration velocity
Li, Y, Li, J & Samali, B 2010, '1A24 Dynamic Performance of A Novel Magnetorheological Pin Joint', The Proceedings of the Symposium on the Motion and Vibration Control, vol. 2010, no. 0, pp. _1A24-1_-_1A24-8_.
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Magnetorheological fluid (MRF) has received significant attention lately and MRF based devices have been proposed for structural control applications in recent years. The unique characteristics of MR fluid lies in its abilities to reversibly, repeatedly and instantly change from a free flowing liquid to a semi-solid state when exposed to a magnetic field. The electric power required to drive the MR devices can be easily provided by a battery. Possessing such unique properties, MR fluid based devices, such as MR damper, have become promising candidates in the semi-active control for civil structure applications. However, most of the published research has focused on application of MR dampers instead of exploring other type of MR devices. In addition, MR based devices exhibit complex nonlinear hysteresis behaviour and thus making their modelling a challenging task. In this paper, a novel MR fluid based device, namely MR pin joint, is proposed as smart structural members in development of an intelligent civil structure that can suppress unwanted vibrations to ensure safety and serviceability of the structure. After design and fabrication, experiments have been conducted to characterise dynamic behaviours of the new device under different harmonic excitations with various input currents. Test data shows that the MR pin joint possesses a unique behaviour in the moment-angular velocity plot. A hyperbolic hysteresis model is proposed to model such unique behaviour. The investigation presented in the paper explores dynamic performance of MR pin joint. Finally, a parametric model is developed following the investigation on the correlation of coefficients in the proposed model with the loading conditions and applied currents.
Li, Y, Li, J & Samali, B 2010, '1A24 Dynamic Performance of A Novel Magnetorheological Pin Joint', The Proceedings of the Symposium on the Motion and Vibration Control, vol. 2010, no. 0.
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Liaquat, AM, Kalam, MA, Masjuki, HH & Jayed, MH 2010, 'Potential emissions reduction in road transport sector using biofuel in developing countries', Atmospheric Environment, vol. 44, no. 32, pp. 3869-3877.
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Lin, W, Huang, B, Fu, Q, Wang, G & Huang, J 2010, 'Investigation of nitroxide radical coupling reaction in wide temperature range and different catalyst system', Journal of Polymer Science Part A: Polymer Chemistry, vol. 48, no. 14, pp. 2991-2999.
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AbstractThe effect of temperature, catalyst system, and the structure of bromine connected groups on the nitroxide radical coupling (NRC) reaction is investigated in details. A series of polymers with different bromine connected groups as poly (tert‐butyl acrylate) (PtBA‐Br), polystyrene (PS‐Br), and poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA‐Br) are prepared by atom transfer radical polymerization first, then the bromine‐containing polymers were coupled with 2,2,6,6‐tetramethylpiperidinyl‐1‐oxy‐containing poly(ε‐caprolactone) (PCL‐TEMPO) in different catalyst systems as CuBr/PMDETA, Cu0/PMDETA and CuBr/Cu0/PMDETA in the temperature range from 90 °C to 25 °C. The result shows that the catalyst system of CuBr/Cu0/PMDETA is the best one for NRC reaction, in which the NRC reaction could be conducted in high efficiency in the wide temperature range from room temperature to high temperature. The efficiency of NRC reaction between PtBA‐Br and PCL‐TEMPO is more than 85% in the temperature range from 25 to 75 °C, the efficiency between PS‐Br and PCL‐TEMPO is more than 90% from 25 to 90 °C, and the efficiency between PMMA‐Br and PCL‐TEMPO is more than 90% only at the room temperature. The effect of bromine connected groups on the NRC reaction is discussed. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 48: 2991–2999, 2010
Lingam, HK, Chen, X, Yisgedu, T, Huang, Z, Zhao, J-C & Shore, SG 2010, 'Redetermination of di-μ-hydrido-hexahydridotetrakis(tetrahydrofuran)dialuminium(III)magnesium(II)', Acta Crystallographica Section E Structure Reports Online, vol. 66, no. 5, pp. m575-m575.
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Mahlia, TMI & Iqbal, A 2010, 'Cost benefits analysis and emission reductions of optimum thickness and air gaps for selected insulation materials for building walls in Maldives', Energy, vol. 35, no. 5, pp. 2242-2250.
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Mahlia, TMI & Saidur, R 2010, 'A review on test procedure, energy efficiency standards and energy labels for room air conditioners and refrigerator–freezers', Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, vol. 14, no. 7, pp. 1888-1900.
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Mahlia, TMI & Yanti, PAA 2010, 'Cost efficiency analysis and emission reduction by implementation of energy efficiency standards for electric motors', Journal of Cleaner Production, vol. 18, no. 4, pp. 365-374.
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Mahlia, TMI, Saidur, R, Husnawan, M, Masjuki, HH & Kalam, MA 2010, 'An approach to estimate the life-cycle cost of energy efficiency improvement of room air conditioners', Energy Education Science and Technology Part A: Energy Science and Research, vol. 26, no. 1, pp. 1-11.
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This paper presents an approach to calculate life-cycle cost analysis of energy efficiency improvement of room air conditioners. The least efficient model from a survey in the market is selected for sample calculation. The method includes the selection of a set of design options that increase efficiency, life cycle cost (LCC) analysis and payback period. LCC is analyzed as a function of seven design options and five variables, namely discount rate, fuel price, appliance lifetime, incremental cost and potential efficiency improvement. The study found that, certain level of efficiency improvement can be achieved, if manufacturers willing to adopt more efficient design options with a little additional investment for the product. Furthermore, the method can be used for other appliances without any major modification.
Mahmud, AR, Biswajeet, P, Hadipour, M & Kadar, HA 2010, 'Mathematical modeling of urban air quality: An urban transportation modeling case study in Petaling Jaya, Malaysia', Research Journal of Chemistry and Environment, vol. 14, no. 4, pp. 14-21.
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This paper provides the findings on a project . undertaken to develop a geo-spatial mathematical model relating land-use, road type and air quality. The model shows how spatial elements and issues were quantified to accurately represent the usual and unusual urban environment in the development of residential land-use. The mathematical relationship was based on the optimum distance between residential area and urban transportation network. The spatial data (urban land-use and urban network development) were generated using satellite images, aerial photos and land use maps. Geospatial analyses were performed to find the effect and impact of urban air quality with respect to urban transportation networks. The output of the study would assist the task to reduce negative transport environmental impacts particularism the field of air pollution. It would also be useful in identifying the potential residential area with respect to urban transportation network towards ' achieving sustainable development.
Manoharan, V, Yunusa, IAM, Loganathan, P, Lawrie, R, Murray, BR, Skilbeck, CG & Eamus, D 2010, 'Boron contents and solubility in Australian fly ashes and its uptake by canola (Brassica napus L.) from the ash-amended soils', AUSTRALIAN JOURNAL OF SOIL RESEARCH, vol. 48, no. 5, pp. 480-487.
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Phytotoxicity due to excessive boron (B) uptake by plants impedes routine agronomic utilisation of coal fly ash. We assessed 11 fly ashes (pH 3.1410.77) having total B content (Bt) of 12136mg/kg, of which 2030% was hot water soluble (Bs) in the acidic ashes (pH 5) and 510% in the alkaline ashes, for their potential to supply B to plants and their risk associated with phytotoxicity. We found the Bs/Bt to be negatively correlated (R2≤0.63, N≤11) with ash pH. We conducted two pot trials in which canola was grown in soils amended with fly ash. In the first trial, an alkaline fly ash (Bt 66mg/kg) was incorporated at 5 rates of up to 625Mg/ha into the top 50mm of 2 acidic soils in 0.30-m-long intact cores, and sown with canola. Boron concentration in leaves at flowering reached the phytotoxic threshold, and both plant growth and seed yield were reduced, only at 625Mg/ha. In the second trial, 4 fly ashes (pH 3.2910.77, Bt 12127mg/kg) were incorporated at 4 rates of up to 108Mg/ha into the top 0.10m of 2 acidic soils in 1.0-m-long intact cores and then sown with canola. Ashes with highest Bt, when applied at 108Mg/ha, increased B concentration in the topsoil only. Of the 2 ashes with the highest B t, only that which produced low soil pH and applied at 108Mg/ha increased B concentration in the shoot, but was still below phytotoxic threshold. The results suggest that B derived from these ashes may not cause phytotoxicity and excessive soil B accumulation if the ashes are applied at modest rates (36Mg/ha) to the topsoil layers. © 2010 CSIRO.
Manoharan, V, Yunusa, IAM, Loganathan, P, Lawrie, R, Skilbeck, G, Burchett, MD, Murray, BR & Eamus, D 2010, 'Assessments of Class F fly ashes for amelioration of soil acidity and their influence on growth and uptake of Mo and Se by canola', FUEL, vol. 89, no. 11, pp. 3498-3504.
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Coal fly ash can be used to ameliorate productivity constraints in agricultural soils, but their efficacy still remains highly variable. To ascertain the capacity of Class F fly ashes to modify pH of acidic soils, and their effects on the yield and uptake of molybdenum (Mo) and selenium (Se) by canola (Brassica napus L.), we applied two acidic and two alkaline Class F ashes at rates equivalent to 0, 12, 36, and 108 Mg/ha to the top layer (0-10 cm) of 100 cm long intact cores of acidic sandy clay and clay loam soils. Only the alkaline ash which had the highest calcium carbonate equivalent (2.43%) increased the pH of the top 10 cm of the sandy clay soil. However, this ash was also highly saline and when applied at ≥36 Mg/ha it increased the electrical conductivity in the top soil layer. Increases in soil pH as a result of alkaline ash addition also elevated concentrations of Se in the plant shoot. The ashes with high concentrations of Mo and Se generally increased uptake of these elements in the plant shoot and/or seed. When these ashes were applied at 108 Mg/ha they increased the concentrations of these elements in the treated topsoil. © 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Maskaoui, K & Zhou, JL 2010, 'Colloids as a sink for certain pharmaceuticals in the aquatic environment', Environmental Science and Pollution Research, vol. 17, no. 4, pp. 898-907.
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Background, aim, and scope: The occurrence and fate of pharmaceuticals in the aquatic environment is recognized as one of the emerging issues in environmental chemistry and as a matter of public concern. Existing data tend to focus on the concentrations of pharmaceuticals in the aqueous phase, with limited studies on their concentrations in particulate phase such as sediments. Furthermore, current water quality monitoring does not differentiate between soluble and colloidal phases in water samples, hindering our understanding of the bioavailability and bioaccumulation of pharmaceuticals in aquatic organisms. In this study, an investigation was conducted into the concentrations and phase association (soluble, colloidal, suspended particulate matter or SPM) of selected pharmaceuticals (propranolol, sulfamethoxazole, meberverine, thioridazine, carbamazepine, tamoxifen, indomethacine, diclofenac, and meclofenamic acid) in river water, effluents from sewage treatment works (STW), and groundwater in the UK. Materials and methods: The occurrence and phase association of selected pharmaceuticals propranolol, sulfamethoxazole, meberverine, thioridazine, carbamazepine, tamoxifen, indomethacine, diclofenac, and meclofenamic acid in contrasting aquatic environments (river, sewage effluent, and groundwater) were studied. Colloids were isolated by cross-flow ultrafiltration (CFUF). Water samples were extracted by solid-phase extraction (SPE), while SPM was extracted by microwave. All sample extracts were analyzed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) in the multiple reaction monitoring. Results and discussion: Five compounds propranolol, sulfamethoxazole, carbamazepine, indomethacine, and diclofenac were detected in all samples, with carbamazepine showing the highest concentrations in all phases. The highest concentrations of these compounds were detected in STW effluents, confirming STW as a key source of these compounds in the aquatic environ...
Na, SH, Shon, HK, Kim, JB, Park, HJ, Cho, DL, El Saliby, I & Kim, J-H 2010, 'Recycling of excess sludge using titanium tetrachloride (TiCl4) as a flocculant aid with alkaline-thermal hydrolysis', JOURNAL OF INDUSTRIAL AND ENGINEERING CHEMISTRY, vol. 16, no. 1, pp. 96-100.
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The highly strengthened treatment and disposal of excess sludge based on economic and environmental regulation factors is one of the important issues to be dealt with in the activated sludge process. In this study, the reduction and recycling technology of excess sludge were investigated for the aim of achieving a zero emission of excess sludge produced from the activated sludge process using titanium tetrachloride (TiCl4) as a flocculant aid with alkaline-thermal hydrolysis. Alkaline-thermal hydrolysis of excess sludge was obtained 73% and 40% reduction rate at pH 13 (60 8 °C) and pH 11 (60 8 °C), respectively. Flocculation was carried out using a Ti-salt flocculant and the collected sludge was dewatered and incinerated at 600 °C to produce TiO2 nanoparticles. The amount of total suspended solids and volatile suspended solids was significantly decreased with pH increase. The optimal dose of Ti-salt flocculation aid to improve dewatering ability of sludge breakage was 23.95 Ti-mg lâ1. Also, in the batch culture, the supernatant after flocculation and the organic matter released from the lysed sludge were found to be useful as a source of energy for the growth of microorganisms during the aerobic operations period. TiO2 produced from Ti-salt flocculation of excess sludge (TES) was characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy/energy dispersive X-ray and photocatalytic activity.
Nasser, A, Clément, A, Laurens, S & Castel, A 2010, 'Influence of steel–concrete interface condition on galvanic corrosion currents in carbonated concrete', Corrosion Science, vol. 52, no. 9, pp. 2878-2890.
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Netherton, MD & Stewart, MG 2010, 'Blast Load Variability and Accuracy of Blast Load Prediction Models', International Journal of Protective Structures, vol. 1, no. 4, pp. 543-570.
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A statistical analysis of explosive blast loading field (test) data has revealed a high level of variability of peak reflected pressure, impulse and time of positive phase duration for repeatable tests where variability would be expected to be a minimum. The model error (accuracy) of a widely used predictive blast load model is also assessed. A probabilistic model of blast loading is then developed that considers variability and/or uncertainty of explosive mass, net equivalent quantity of an explosive in terms of TNT mass, stand-off distance, air temperature, air pressure, inherent variability and model error. Two widely used explosives are considered: Tritonal (military) and ANFO (terrorism). This type of statistical and probabilistic analysis is essential for structural reliability analysis of structures subject to explosive blast loading where load variability is an important contributor to damage and safety risks. It was found that the TM5–1300 design values for peak reflected pressure and time of positive phase duration adequately represent median values of the probability distribution of blast loads. The TM5–1300 design values for peak reflected impulse were 40% higher than median values with probabilities of exceedance of only 4% to 23%. This over-estimation of actual blast loads on a structure may lead to conservative design outcomes.
Nguyen, TT, Guo, W, Ngo, HH & Vigneswaran, S 2010, 'A new combined inorganic-organic flocculant (CIOF) as a performance enhancer for aerated submerged membrane bioreactor', SEPARATION AND PURIFICATION TECHNOLOGY, vol. 75, no. 2, pp. 204-209.
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In this study, a new combined inorganic-organic flocculant (CIOF) of FeCl3 and membrane performance enhancer (MPE50) was prepared and added to an aerated submerged membrane bioreactor (SMBR). The effects of CIOF on the performance of an aerated submerged membrane bioreactor (SMBR) were evaluated. The results indicated that the SMBR with CIOF addition could remove almost 100% total phosphate while eliminating over 90% ammonia (NH 4-N) and dissolved organic carbon (DOC) during an 80-day of operation. The respiration tests revealed that the specific oxygen uptake rate (SOUR) was stable around 1.5-2.0 mg O2/gMLVSS h. The sludge volume index (SVI) of less than 100 mL/g during the operation showed the importance of CIOF on the improvement of settling properties of the sludge. Soluble carbohydrate concentration was also well correlated with DOC of the supernatant. CIOF was successful in the reduction of fouling of membrane as the membrane was only chemically cleaned after 53 days of operation. © 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Nguyen, TT, Ngo, HH, Guo, W, Johnston, A & Listowski, A 2010, 'Effects of sponge size and type on the performance of an up-flow sponge bioreactor in primary treated sewage effluent treatment', BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY, vol. 101, no. 5, pp. 1416-1420.
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The effects of polyurethane sponge size and type on the performance of an up-flow sponge bioreactor were studied using different sponge cube sizes (1 × 1 × 1 cm, 2 × 2 × 2 cm and 3 × 3 × 3 cm) and types of sponge (S28-30/45R, S28-30/60R, S28-30/80R and S28-30/90R). The reactors were operated under anaerobic conditions in an early stage and an aerobic condition in a latter stage. The results indicate that there was no significant difference in the organic and nutrient removal rates between sponge types. The medium size sponge (2 × 2 × 2 cm) had the best performance in terms of both biomass growth and pollutants removal. Under anaerobic condition, the COD, TN and TP removal efficiencies were up to 70%, 45% and 55%, respectively, and significantly improved under aerobic conditions (e.g. >90% TOC, 95% COD, 65% TN and 90% TP). The external biomass grew faster under anaerobic conditions while internal biomass was dominant under aerobic condition. © 2009 Elsevier Ltd.
Nguyen, TV, Vigneswaran, S, Ngo, HH & Kandasamy, J 2010, 'Arsenic removal by iron oxide coated sponge: Experimental performance and mathematical models', JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS, vol. 182, no. 1-3, pp. 723-729.
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Millions of people worldwide are at risk from the presence of arsenic in groundwater. In this study, adsorption equilibrium and long term experiments were carried out to evaluate the performance of iron oxide coated sponge (IOCSp) in arsenic removal. It was found that maximum adsorption capacity of IOCSp for As(III) and As(V) calculated by Sips isotherm was 4.2 and 4.6. mg/g of IOCSp, respectively. A filter packed with small amount of 25. g IOCSp maintained a consistent arsenic removal efficiency of 95% from synthetic solution containing arsenic concentration of as high as 1000. μg/L. This produced a throughput volume of 153 and 178. L of water containing As(III) and As(V), respectively before any need for regeneration or disposal of IOCSp. IOCSp could be regenerated by washing it with NaOH solution. The dynamic (column) adsorption kinetics were successfully predicted by the Thomas and Nikolaidis modified models. © 2010 Elsevier B.V.
Ni, B & Yu, H 2010, 'Modeling and simulation of the formation and utilization of microbial products in aerobic granular sludge', AIChE Journal, vol. 56, no. 2, pp. 546-559.
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AbstractA mathematical model is established to simulate the formation of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS), soluble microbial products (SMP), and internal storage products (XSTO) in aerobic granular sludge. The sensitivity of these microbial products concentrations toward the key model parameters is analyzed. Independent experiments are conducted to find required parameter values and to test its predictive ability. The model is evaluated by using one‐cycle operating experimental results of a lab‐scale aerobic granule‐based sequencing batch reactor (SBR) and batch experimental results. Results show that the model is able to describe the microbial product dynamics in aerobic granules and provide further insights into a granule‐based SBR. The effect of the initial substrate and biomass concentrations on the formation of microbial products in aerobic granular sludge can therefore be analyzed by model simulation. A higher substrate concentration results in a greater concentration of EPS, SMP, and XSTO. An accumulation of biomass in the bioreactor leads to an increased production rate of EPS, SMP, and XSTO. © 2009 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2010
Ni, B, Rittmann, BE & Yu, H 2010, 'Modeling predation processes in activated sludge', Biotechnology and Bioengineering, vol. 105, no. 6, pp. 1021-1030.
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AbstractPredation by protozoa plays an important role in activated sludge. In this work, the kinetics for protozoan predation of active bacteria (XH), extracellular polymeric substances (EPS), and intracellular storage products (XSTO) are added into a previously expanded unified model that describes the dynamics of EPS, XSTO, and soluble microbial products (SMP). The new biomass growth–decay–predation model describes the biomass fractions, soluble organic components, and oxygen‐uptake rates considering EPS, XSTO, and predators during dynamic operating conditions in activated sludge. Model calibration using batch experimental data provides the new parameter values for predation processes and insights into mechanisms involving predators. The calibrated value of the maximum specific growth rate for the predators is much slower than for the bacteria, confirming that predators are relatively slow growers. However, the predators and bacteria have similar decay rates and dissolved oxygen affinities. Model testing with results independent of the calibration data shows two things. First, the model and calibrated parameters accurately simulate the independent results when predators are present. Second, eliminating predation by high salinity significantly lowers the OUR, and this is captured by the model. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2010;105: 1021–1030. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Ni, B, Xie, W, Liu, S, Yu, H, Gan, Y, Zhou, J & Hao, E 2010, 'Development of a mechanistic model for biological nutrient removal activated sludge systems and application to a full‐scale WWTP', AIChE Journal, vol. 56, no. 6, pp. 1626-1638.
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AbstractIn wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) the production of nitrite as an intermediate in the biological nutrient removal (BNR) process has been widely observed, but not been taken into account by most of the conventional activated sludge models yet. This work aims to develop a mechanistic mathematical model to evaluate the BNR process after resolving such a problem. A mathematical model is developed based on the Activated Sludge Model No.3 (ASM3) and the EAWAG Bio‐P model with an incorporation of the two‐step nitrification–denitrification, the anoxic P uptake, and the associated two‐step denitrification by phosphorus accumulating organisms. The database used for simulations originates from a full‐scale BNR municipal wastewater treatment plant. The influent wastewater composition is characterized using batch tests. Model predictions are compared with the measured concentrations of chemical oxygen demand (COD), NH‐N, NO‐N, NO‐N, PO‐P, and mixed liquid volatile suspended solids. Simulation results indicate that the calibrated model is capable of predicting the microbial growth, COD removal, nitrification and denitrification, as well as aerobic and anoxic P removal. Thus, this model can be used to evaluate and simulate full‐scale BNR activa...
Ni, B-J & Yu, H-Q 2010, 'Mathematical modeling of aerobic granular sludge: A review', Biotechnology Advances, vol. 28, no. 6, pp. 895-909.
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Ni, B-J, Hu, B-L, Fang, F, Xie, W-M, Kartal, B, Liu, X-W, Sheng, G-P, Jetten, M, Zheng, P & Yu, H-Q 2010, 'Microbial and Physicochemical Characteristics of Compact Anaerobic Ammonium-Oxidizing Granules in an Upflow Anaerobic Sludge Blanket Reactor', Applied and Environmental Microbiology, vol. 76, no. 8, pp. 2652-2656.
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ABSTRACT Anaerobic ammonium oxidation (anammox) is a promising new process to treat high-strength nitrogenous wastewater. Due to the low growth rate of anaerobic ammonium-oxidizing bacteria, efficient biomass retention is essential for reactor operation. Therefore, we studied the settling ability and community composition of the anaerobic ammonium-oxidizing granules, which were cultivated in an upflow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB) reactor seeded with aerobic granules. With this seed, the start-up period was less than 160 days at a NH 4 + -N removal efficiency of 94% and a loading rate of 0.064 kg N per kg volatile suspended solids per day. The formed granules were bright red and had a high settling velocity (41 to 79 m h −1 ). Cells and extracellular polymeric substances were evenly distributed over the anaerobic ammonium-oxidizing granules. The high percentage of anaerobic ammonium-oxidizing bacteria in the granules could be visualized by fluorescent in situ hybridization and electron microscopy. The copy numbers of 16S rRNA genes of anaerobic ammonium-oxidizing bacteria in the granules were determined to be 4.6 × 10 8 copies ml −1 . The results of this study could be used for a better design, shorter start-up time, and more stable operation of anammox systems for the treatment of nitrogen-rich wastewaters.
Ni, B-J, Rittmann, BE & Yu, H-Q 2010, 'Evaluation on the impacts of predators on biomass components and oxygen uptake in sequencing batch reactor and continuous systems', Water Research, vol. 44, no. 15, pp. 4616-4622.
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Ni, B-J, Rittmann, BE, Fang, F, Xu, J & Yu, H-Q 2010, 'Long-term formation of microbial products in a sequencing batch reactor', Water Research, vol. 44, no. 13, pp. 3787-3796.
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Ni, B-J, Sheng, G-P, Li, X-Y & Yu, H-Q 2010, 'Quantitative Simulation of the Granulation Process of Activated Sludge for Wastewater Treatment', Industrial & Engineering Chemistry Research, vol. 49, no. 6, pp. 2864-2873.
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Ni, B-J, Zeng, RJ, Fang, F, Xie, W-M, Sheng, G-P & Yu, H-Q 2010, 'Fractionating soluble microbial products in the activated sludge process', Water Research, vol. 44, no. 7, pp. 2292-2302.
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Okour, Y, Shon, HK, El Saliby, IJ, Naidu, R, Kim, JB & Kim, J-H 2010, 'Preparation and characterisation of titanium dioxide (TiO2) and thiourea-doped titanate nanotubes prepared from wastewater flocculated sludge', BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY, vol. 101, no. 5, pp. 1453-1458.
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In this study, titanium (Ti), ferric (Fe) and aluminum (Al) salt flocculants were compared for their efficiency in treating wastewater collected from Sydney Olympic Park wastewater treatment plant by following the jar test procedure. Produced sludge from Ti-salt flocculation was dried and titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles were generated after the incineration of sludge produced from the Ti-salt flocculation of wastewater. Later on, titanate nanotubes were synthesized after TiO2 nanoparticles were hydrothermally treated with 10 N NaOH solution at 130 °C for 24 h. Titanate nanotubes were either acid or deionised water-washed, while thiourea-doping was employed to produce visible light-responsive nanotubes. Wastewater flocculation using Ti-salt was found to be as efficient as Fe and Al flocculation in terms of turbidity and DOC removal. XRD results showed that the anatase structure was predominant for TiO2 nanoparticles, while thiourea-doped titanate nanotubes only indicated anatase structure with an increased crystallinity after being crystallized at 600 °C. The photocatalytic activity of all photocatalysts was evaluated using the photooxidation of acetaldehyde. Thiourea-doped nanotubes showed a greater photocatalytic activity than as-prepared TiO2 nanoparticles, deionised water-washed, acid-washed titanate nanotubes and P25 under UV and visible light irradiation.
Oliveira, DAF & Indraratna, B 2010, 'Comparison between Models of Rock Discontinuity Strength and Deformation', Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering, vol. 136, no. 6, pp. 864-874.
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Park, KH, Shim, WG, Shon, HK, Lee, SG, Ngo, HH, Vigneswaran, S & Moon, H 2010, 'Adsorption Characteristics of Acetaldehyde on Activated Carbons Prepared from Corn-Based Biomass Precursor', SEPARATION SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, vol. 45, no. 8, pp. 1084-1091.
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The ACs (R-1/2 and R-1/4) having two different textual and chemical properties are prepared from corn-based biomass precursor and evaluated together with a wood-based activated carbon (WAC) at room temperature using a gas chromatograph. The results obtained from the correlation studies indicate that the pore size distribution (below 8A Ë ) and the relatively lower energetic heterogeneity of ACs on acetaldehyde adsorption are considerable factors rather than that of a specific surface area and surface chemistry. The adsorption equilibrium of ACs is well correlated with the Sips equation. The pseudo second-order equation was better in describing the ACsâ adsorption kinetic of acetaldehyde.
Phuntsho, S, Dulal, I, Yangden, D, Tenzin, UM, Herat, S, Shon, H & Vigneswaran, S 2010, 'Studying municipal solid waste generation and composition in the urban areas of Bhutan', WASTE MANAGEMENT & RESEARCH, vol. 28, no. 6, pp. 545-551.
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Bhutan lacks the solid waste data which are essential parameters for planning and scheduling of municipal solid waste management (MSWM) systems. The first ever large-scale research survey on solid waste generation and characterization in the urban areas of Bhutan was conducted between November 2007 and January 2008 using the method of waste sampling at source. The MSW generation rates in the urban centres were 0.53 kg capita-1 day - 1, which consists predominantly of organic waste materials of up to 58% indicating a great opportunity for composting. Domestic waste from the households contributed the maximum (47%) component of the total MSW generated from the urban centres followed by wastes from the commercial establishments. Attempt to study the correlation between household monthly income and the waste per capita generation rates did not yield any conclusive result. © The Author(s), 2010.
Pradhan, B 2010, 'Application of an advanced fuzzy logic model for landslide susceptibility analysis', International Journal of Computational Intelligence Systems, vol. 3, no. 3, pp. 370-381.
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Pradhan, B 2010, 'Application of an advanced fuzzy logic model for landslide susceptibility analysis', International Journal of Computational Intelligence Systems, vol. 3, no. 3, pp. 370-370.
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The aim of this study is to evaluate the susceptibility of landslides at Klang valley area, Malaysia, using a Geographic Information System (GIS) and remote sensing. Landslide locations were identified in the study area from interpretation of aerial photographs and from field surveys. Topographical and geological data and satellite images were collected, processed, and constructed into a spatial database using GIS and image processing. A data derived model (frequency ratio) and a knowledge-derived model (fuzzy operator) were combined for landslide susceptibility analysis. The nine factors that influence landslide occurrence were extracted from the database and the frequency ratio coefficient for each factor was computed. Using the factors and the identified landslide, the fuzzy membership values were calculated. Then fuzzy algebraic operators were applied to the fuzzy membership values for landslide susceptibility mapping. Finally, the produced map was verified by comparing with existing landslide locations for calculating prediction accuracy. Among the fuzzy operators, in the case in which the gamma operator (λ = 0.8) showed the best accuracy (91%) while the case in which the fuzzy algebraic product was applied showed the worst accuracy (79%).
Pradhan, B 2010, 'Landslide susceptibility mapping of a catchment area using frequency ratio, fuzzy logic and multivariate logistic regression approaches', Journal of the Indian Society of Remote Sensing, vol. 38, no. 2, pp. 301-320.
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Pradhan, B 2010, 'Remote sensing and GIS-based landslide hazard analysis and cross-validation using multivariate logistic regression model on three test areas in Malaysia', Advances in Space Research, vol. 45, no. 10, pp. 1244-1256.
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PRADHAN, B & BUCHROITHNER, MF 2010, 'Comparison and Validation of Landslide Susceptibility Maps Using an Artificial Neural Network Model for Three Test Areas in Malaysia', Environmental and Engineering Geoscience, vol. 16, no. 2, pp. 107-126.
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Pradhan, B & Lee, S 2010, 'Delineation of landslide hazard areas on Penang Island, Malaysia, by using frequency ratio, logistic regression, and artificial neural network models', Environmental Earth Sciences, vol. 60, no. 5, pp. 1037-1054.
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Pradhan, B & Lee, S 2010, 'Landslide susceptibility assessment and factor effect analysis: backpropagation artificial neural networks and their comparison with frequency ratio and bivariate logistic regression modelling', Environmental Modelling & Software, vol. 25, no. 6, pp. 747-759.
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Pradhan, B & Lee, S 2010, 'Regional landslide susceptibility analysis using back-propagation neural network model at Cameron Highland, Malaysia', Landslides, vol. 7, no. 1, pp. 13-30.
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Pradhan, B & Pirasteh, S 2010, 'Introduction of guest editors january 2010 issue', Disaster Advances, vol. 3, no. 1.
Pradhan, B & Youssef, AM 2010, 'Manifestation of remote sensing data and GIS on landslide hazard analysis using spatial-based statistical models', Arabian Journal of Geosciences, vol. 3, no. 3, pp. 319-326.
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Pradhan, B, Lee, S & Buchroithner, MF 2010, 'A GIS-based back-propagation neural network model and its cross-application and validation for landslide susceptibility analyses', Computers, Environment and Urban Systems, vol. 34, no. 3, pp. 216-235.
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Pradhan, B, Lee, S & Buchroithner, MF 2010, 'Remote Sensing and GIS-based Landslide Susceptibility Analysis and its Cross-validation in Three Test Areas Using a Frequency Ratio Model', Photogrammetrie - Fernerkundung - Geoinformation, vol. 2010, no. 1, pp. 17-32.
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Pradhan, B, Oh, H-J & Buchroithner, M 2010, 'Weights-of-evidence model applied to landslide susceptibility mapping in a tropical hilly area', Geomatics, Natural Hazards and Risk, vol. 1, no. 3, pp. 199-223.
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Pradhan, B, Sezer, EA, Gokceoglu, C & Buchroithner, MF 2010, 'Landslide Susceptibility Mapping by Neuro-Fuzzy Approach in a Landslide-Prone Area (Cameron Highlands, Malaysia)', IEEE Transactions on Geoscience and Remote Sensing, vol. 48, no. 12, pp. 4164-4177.
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Pradhan, B, Youssef, A & Varathrajoo, R 2010, 'Approaches for delineating landslide hazard areas using different training sites in an advanced artificial neural network model', Geo-spatial Information Science, vol. 13, no. 2, pp. 93-102.
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Raja, S, Thomas, PS & Stuart, BH 2010, 'A study of storage conditions and treatments for forensic bone specimens using thermogravimetric analysis', JOURNAL OF THERMAL ANALYSIS AND CALORIMETRY, vol. 99, no. 3, pp. 869-872.
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Bone provides an important source of forensic evidence. The storage conditions of bone have been recognised as a factor in maintaining the integrity of such evidence. Thermogravimetric analysis (TG) has been employed to examine the effects of storage environments and preparation methods on the structural properties of pig bones. A comparison of oven and freeze drying has been made to study the effect of storage conditions. A comparison has also been made of ground bone specimens with cut specimens. Freeze-dried hand ground specimens provided the most consistent results and, thus, this is the recommended method of preparation of bone specimens for TG analysis.
Ren, X, Shon, HK, Jang, N, Lee, YG, Bae, M, Lee, J, Cho, K & Kim, IS 2010, 'Novel membrane bioreactor (MBR) coupled with a nonwoven fabric filter for household wastewater treatment', WATER RESEARCH, vol. 44, no. 3, pp. 751-760.
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Conventional and modified membrane bioreactors (MBRs) are increasingly used in small-scale wastewater treatment. However, their widespread applications are hindered by their relatively high cost and operational complexity. In this study, we investigate a new concept of wastewater treatment using a nonwoven fabric filter bag (NFFB) as the membrane bioreactor. Activated sludge is charged in the nonwoven fabric filter bag and membrane filtration via the fabric is achieved under gravity flow without a suction pump. This study found that the biofilm layer formed inside the NFFB achieved 10 mg/L of suspended solids in the permeate within 20 min of initial operation. The dynamic biofilter layer showed good filterability and the specific membrane resistance consisted of 0.3â1.9 Ã 1012 m/kg. Due to the low F/M ratio (0.04â0.10 kg BOD5/m3/d) and the resultant low sludge yield, the reactor was operated without forming excess sludge. Although the reactor provided aerobic conditions, denitrification occurred in the biofilm layer to recover the alkalinity, thereby eliminating the need to supplement the alkalinity. This study indicates that the NFFB system provides a high potential of effective wastewater treatment with simple operation at reduced cost, and hence offer an attractive solution for widespread use in rural and sparsely populated areas.
Rivaie, AA & Loganathan, P 2010, 'Phosphorus fertiliser source and weed control effects on growth of three-year-old second-rotation Pinus radiata on Orthic Pumice soil in New Zealand', SOUTHERN FORESTS, vol. 72, no. 2, pp. 75-81.
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Little information is available on the interactive effects of soluble and less-soluble phosphorus (P) fertilisers and weed control on growth and P nutrition of second-rotation Pinus radiata plantations. A study was initiated on three-year-old secondrotation P. radiata and to determine the relationship between needle P concentrations and soil P forms in an Orthic Pumice soil two years after application. Four rates of P (0, 50, 100, and 200 kg P ha-1) were applied as two forms of P fertilizer sources (triple superphosphate [TSP] and Ben-Guerir phosphate rock [BGPR]) in combination with weed control (weedy and weed-free). The results showed that the applied TSP and BGPR can increase tree needle P concentrations even when the needle P concentrations before fertiliser application were marginally higher than the critical P concentrations. The application of P fertilisers had no effect on tree growth during the two-year period of the trial, though it increased P. radiata needle P concentrations. However, the weed removal increased tree height, diameter at breast height, and basal area. In this plantation site the higher needle P concentrations than the critical P concentration suggests that the growth increase dueto weed removal treatment was probably due to an increase in the availability of soil water and nutrients other than P. The needle P concentrations of P. radiata can be predicted by soil tests, Bray-2 P, Olsen P, resin-Pi, and NaOH-Pi tests. Of these soil tests, Bray-2 P seems to be the best test in predicting soil P availability to P. radiata. The P concentrations in the needles had a relationship with the NaOH-Pi fraction but had no relationship with the H2SO4-Pi fraction. These results suggest that P. radiata was probably taking up P mainly from the pool of P-adsorbed to allophane and Fe+Al oxides (NaOH-Pi) in this high P-fixing acidic soil. © NISC (Pty) Ltd.
Rujikiatkamjorn, C & Indraratna, B 2010, 'Radial consolidation modelling incorporating the effect of a smear zone for a multilayer soil with downdrag caused by mandrel action', Canadian Geotechnical Journal, vol. 47, no. 9, pp. 1024-1035.
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A system of prefabricated vertical drains with surcharge preloading is an effective method for promoting radial drainage and accelerated soil consolidation. A piecewise technique is employed to analyse the radial consolidation in a multilayer soil system to include (i) the effect of soil downdrag and (ii) a smear zone having linearly varying soil permeability. The effect of soil dragged down from the upper soil layer into the lower layer has been analysed in terms of the time required for consolidation. It can be seen that the consolidation of the multilayer soil depends on smear zone characteristics, the permeability ratio between upper and lower soil layers, penetration depth, and drain spacing. Design procedures are described with the help of an example.
Saco, PM, Carpi, LC, Figliola, A, Serrano, E & Rosso, OA 2010, 'Entropy analysis of the dynamics of El Niño/Southern Oscillation during the Holocene', Physica A: Statistical Mechanics and its Applications, vol. 389, no. 21, pp. 5022-5027.
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Safari, HO, Pirasteh, S, Pradhan, B & Gharibvand, LK 2010, 'Use of Remote Sensing Data and GIS Tools for Seismic Hazard Assessment for Shallow Oilfields and its Impact on the Settlements at Masjed-i-Soleiman Area, Zagros Mountains, Iran', Remote Sensing, vol. 2, no. 5, pp. 1364-1377.
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Saidur, R & Mahlia, TMI 2010, 'Energy, economic and environmental benefits of using high-efficiency motors to replace standard motors for the Malaysian industries', Energy Policy, vol. 38, no. 8, pp. 4617-4625.
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Samali, B, Li, J, Choi, FC & Crews, K 2010, 'Application of the damage index method for plate-like structures to timber bridges', Structural Control and Health Monitoring, vol. 17, no. 8, pp. 849-871.
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The paper presents a research recently completed by the authors utilizing a method of damage evaluation for identifying damage in timber bridges, numerically and experimentally. The method utilizes changes in modal strain energy between the undamaged and damaged states of plate-like structures. A finite element model of a laboratory timber bridge was developed to investigate the capabilities and limitations of the method to detect damage. A simple four-girder bridge was fabricated and tested in a laboratory to verify the method. The numerical studies showed that the method can correctly identify single and multiple damage locations within the bridge. The experimental studies also showed promising results for detecting severe damage, but less effective for light and medium damage.
Senthilnanthan, M, Ho, DP, Vigneswaran, S, Ngo, HH & Shon, HK 2010, 'Visible light responsive ruthenium-doped titanium dioxide for the removal of metsulfuron-methyl herbcide in aqueous phase', SEPARATION AND PURIFICATION TECHNOLOGY, vol. 75, no. 3, pp. 415-419.
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Titanium dioxide (TiO2) under UV light irradiation is one of the effective treatment methods to reduce the concentration of synthetic organic compounds in water. Nevertheless, only a small amount of UV light is absorbed in the solar light. This makes the less use of TiO2 for environmental applications. In this study, we prepared Ru-doped visible light responsive (VLR) TiO2 to improve visible light absorption and characterized it in terms of physical and chemical properties. The photocatalytic activity of VLR Rudoped TiO2 was investigated to remove metsulfuron-methyl (MSM) in aqueous phase. The Ru-doped TiO2 at different Ru concentrations was found to have the anatase phase. The undoped and Ru-doped TiO2 consisted of regular round shape. The photocatalytic activity of VLR photocatalyst was significantly improved on the addition of Ru from 40% for undoped TiO2 to 80% for Ru-doped TiO2. The removal efficiency of MSM was proportional to the increasing Ru-doped TiO2 under visible light. As the calcined temperature increased from 300 to 900 â¦C, the degradation efficiencies moderately changed from 65 to 90%. However, the effect of calcination duration was marginal on the photodegradation of MSM.
Shon, HK, Phuntsho, S, Vigneswaran, S, Kandasamy, J, Nghiem, LD, Kim, GJ, Kim, JB & Kim, J-H 2010, 'Preparation of Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles from Electrocoagulated Sludge using Sacrificial Titanium Electrodes', ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY, vol. 44, no. 14, pp. 5553-5557.
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A comprehensive investigation of electrocoagulation using sacrificial titanium (Ti) electrodes in wastewater was carried out. The effects of specific process variables, such as initial pH, mixing, current density, initial organic loading, and ionic/electrolyte strength were first optimized to produce recyclable Ti-based sludge. The sludge was incinerated at 600 °C to produce functional TiO2 photocatalyst. X-ray diffraction analysis revealed that TiO2 produced at optimum electrocoagulation conditions was mostly anatase structure. The specific surface area of the synthesized TiO 2 photocatalyst was higher than that of the commercially available and widely used Degussa P-25 TiO2. Furthermore, energy dispersive X-ray and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analyses showed that in additional to titanium and oxygen, this photocatalyst is also composed of carbon and phosphorus. These elements were mainly doped as a substitute site for the oxygen atom. Transmission electron microscopy images exhibited sharply edged nanorods, round nanoparticles, and nanotubes with nonuniform shapes showing some structural defects. Photodecomposition of gaseous acetaldehyde by this photocatalyst was also conducted under UV and visible light irradiation to study the photocatalytic properties of the doped TiO2 photocatalyst. While no photocatalytic activity was observed under visible light irradiation, this doped TiO2 photocatalyst exhibited high photocatalytic activity under UV light. © 2010 American Chemical Society.
Shon, HK, Puntsho, S, Vigneswaran, S, Kandasamy, J, Kim, JB, Park, HJ & Kim, IS 2010, 'PVDF-TiO2 coated microfiltration membranes: preparation and characterization', MEMBRANE WATER TREATMENT, vol. 1, no. 3, pp. 193-206.
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© 2017 Techno-Press, Ltd. Organic fouling and biofouling pose a significant challenge to the membrane filtration process. Photocatalysis-membrane hybrid system is a novel idea for reducing these membranes fouling however, when TiO 2 photocatalyst nanoparticles are used in suspension, catalyst recovery is not only imposes an extra step on the process but also significantly contributes to increased membrane resistance and reduced permeate flux. In this study, TiO 2 photocatalyst has been immobilized by coating on the microfiltration (MF) membrane surface to minimize organic and microbial fouling. Nano-sized TiO 2 was first synthesized by a sol-gel method. The synthesized TiO 2 was coated on a Poly Vinyl Difluoride (PVDF) membrane (MF) surface using spray coating and dip coating techniques to obtain hybrid functional composite membrane. The characteristics of the synthesized photocatalyst and a functional composite membrane were studied using numerous instruments in terms of physical, chemical and electrical properties. In comparison to the clean PVDF membrane, the TiO 2 coated MF membrane was found more effective in removing methylene blue (20%) and E-coli (99%).
Shon, HK, Vigneswaran, S, El Saliby, I, Okour, Y, Kim, IS, Cho, J, Park, HJ, Kim, JB & Kim, J-H 2010, 'Hydrogen production affected by Pt concentration on TiO2produced from the incineration of dye wastewater flocculated sludge using titanium tetrachloride', Desalination and Water Treatment, vol. 15, no. 1-3, pp. 214-221.
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TiO2 from the incineration of dye wastewater flocculated sludge using TiCl4 coagulant was produced. Optimal catalyst amount and Pt-loading on TiO2 were studied for the production of H2 by photocatalytic reforming of methanol (6% vol.). On the other hand, BTSE (biologically treated sewage effluent) was flocculated using TiCl4 and produced sludge was incinerated to generate TiO2. TiO2 was loaded with optimum Pt and added to the supernatant in a photocatalytic reactor to test the efficiency of using remaining organics as a âsacrificial reagentâ for photocatalytic hydrogen production. Dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and molecular weight distribution (MWD) were measured for nanofiltration (NF) and TiCl4 flocculation followed by photocatalysis. TiO2 (from the incineration of BTSE flocculated sludge using TiCl4) was produced and loaded with 0.5% Pt. Results showed that the optimum concentration of TiO2 (from dye wastewater) for H2 production was 0.3 g/L, while the optimum amount of Pt was 0.5%. DOC and MWD removal was similar for the flocculation of BTSE followed by photocatalytic reaction and the NF process. Remaining organic compounds after flocculation could not be used as sacrificial reagent to induce H2 production. Further investigations on studying the UV intensity and/or identifying organic/inorganic scavengers to inhibit H2 production are underway.
Shon, HK, Vigneswaran, S, El Saliby, I, Okour, Y, Kim, IS, Cho, J, Park, HJ, Kim, JB & Kim, J-H 2010, 'Hydrogen production affected by Pt concentration on TiO2 produced from the incineration of dye wastewater flocculated sludge using titanium tetrachloride', DESALINATION AND WATER TREATMENT, vol. 15, no. 1-3, pp. 214-221.
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Singh, RP 2010, 'Geomatics, Natural Hazards and Risk – Launch of a New Journal', Geomatics, Natural Hazards and Risk, vol. 1, no. 1, pp. 1-1.
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Stewart, MG 2010, 'Acceptable Risk Criteria for Infrastructure Protection', International Journal of Protective Structures, vol. 1, no. 1, pp. 23-40.
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This paper reviews risk-based approaches to assessing the risk acceptability and cost-effectiveness of protective measures for infrastructure. The paper describes three risk acceptance criteria based on fatality risks, failure probabilities and net benefit assessment. These criteria can be applied to any item of infrastructure such as buildings, bridges, dams, offshore platforms, etc. and also applies to any man-made or natural hazard such as earthquakes, cyclones, terrorism, floods and so on. The decision support framework accompanying these risk acceptance criteria considers hazard and threat probabilities, value of human life, physical and indirect damages, risk reduction and protective measure costs. This has specific utility for the safety and economical design and assessment of new and existing protective structures against shock and impact loading. Risk assessments are conducted for a bridge over an inland waterway where the hazard is ship impact and a building subject to terrorist attack. The illustrative examples showed under what combination of risk reduction, and fatality and damage costs the fatality and failure risks would be acceptable, and when protective measures would be cost-effective.
Stewart, MG 2010, 'Risk-informed decision support for assessing the costs and benefits of counter-terrorism protective measures for infrastructure', International Journal of Critical Infrastructure Protection, vol. 3, no. 1, pp. 29-40.
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The paper describes risk-informed decision support for assessing the costs and benefits of counter-terrorism (CT) protective measures for infrastructure. Such a decision support framework needs to consider threat scenarios and probabilities, value of human life, physical (direct) damage, indirect damage, risk reduction and protective measure costs. Probabilistic terrorism risk assessments that quantify the costs and benefits are conducted for three items of infrastructure using representative cost and vulnerability data. The illustrative examples show under what combination of risk reduction, threat probability, and fatality and damage costs the CT protective measures would be cost-effective for United States building, bridge and aviation infrastructure. It was found that if indirect losses (such as business interruption, loss of GDP, etc.) are considered, then CT protective measures are cost-effective even if the terrorist threat probability is not high. Opportunity costs can be considerable, which makes CT protective measures less cost-effective. © 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Stewart, MG & Li, Y 2010, 'Methodologies for Economic Impact and Adaptation Assessment of Cyclone Damage Risks Due to Climate Change', Australian Journal of Structural Engineering, vol. 10, no. 2, pp. 121-135.
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Increases in wind damage are expected if the intensity and/or frequency of tropical cyclones increase due to enhanced greenhouse conditions (climate change). The paper proposes a methodology to estimate cyclone damage risks due to enhanced greenhouse conditions using residential construction in the North Queensland cities of Cairns, Townsville and Mackay as a case study, and then assesses the economic viability of several climate adaptation strategies. The analysis includes probabilistic modelling of cyclone intensity and frequency, time-dependent increase in wind speed from enhanced greenhouse conditions (global warming), and vulnerability functions of building damage. Increases in mean annual maximum wind speed from 0% to 25% over 50 years are considered to represent the uncertainty in changing wind hazard patterns as a result of climate change. The effect of regional changes to building inventory over time and space, rate of retrofitting, cost of retrofit, reduction in vulnerability, and discount rate will be considered. The risk-cost-benefit analysis considering temporal changes in wind hazard and building vulnerability can be used to help optimise the timing and extent of climate adaptation strategies. © Institution of Engineers Australia, 2010.
Su, L-J, Rujikiatkamjorn, C & Indraratna, B 2010, 'An Evaluation of Fouled Ballast in a Laboratory Model Track Using Ground Penetrating Radar', Geotechnical Testing Journal, vol. 33, no. 5, pp. 343-350.
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Abstract Ground penetrating radar (GPR) was used to evaluate fouled ballast in a prototype model railway track designed and constructed at the University of Wollongong. To simulate actual conditions, the track consisted of a layer of sub-grade, a capping layer, and a layer of ballast. The track was then divided into seven fouled ballast sections and two clean ballast sections, nine in all. Radar detectable geotextile was embedded under the ballast to highlight the interface between the ballast and capping layer, and then different frequency antennae were used to capture the reflected GPR signals so that the fouled ballast could be evaluated. The design and construction of the model track and the analysis and interpretation of collected GPR data are presented in this paper. Clear patterns of texture observed from the GPR images illustrate the different fouling conditions. The relative dielectric permittivity of each sub-section was also calculated and compared, which proved that it can be used to classify clean and fouled ballast.
Tadkaew, N, Sivakumar, M, Khan, SJ, McDonald, JA & Nghiem, LD 2010, 'Effect of mixed liquor pH on the removal of trace organic contaminants in a membrane bioreactor', Bioresource Technology, vol. 101, no. 5, pp. 1494-1500.
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Tang, L, Du, P & Wu, C 2010, 'Compare diagnostic tests using transformation-invariant smoothed ROC curves', Journal of Statistical Planning and Inference, vol. 140, no. 11, pp. 3540-3551.
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Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, plotting true positive rates against false positive rates as threshold varies, is an important tool for evaluating biomarkers in diagnostic medicine studies. By definition, ROC curve is monotone increasing from 0 to 1 and is invariant to any monotone transformation of test results. And it is often a curve with certain level of smoothness when test results from the diseased and non-diseased subjects follow continuous distributions. Most existing ROC curve estimation methods do not guarantee all of these properties. One of the exceptions is Du and Tang (2009) which applies certain monotone spline regression procedure to empirical ROC estimates. However, their method does not consider the inherent correlations between empirical ROC estimates. This makes the derivation of the asymptotic properties very difficult. In this paper we propose a penalized weighted least square estimation method, which incorporates the covariance between empirical ROC estimates as a weight matrix. The resulting estimator satisfies all the aforementioned properties, and we show that it is also consistent. Then a resampling approach is used to extend our method for comparisons of two or more diagnostic tests. Our simulations show a significantly improved performance over the existing method, especially for steep ROC curves. We then apply the proposed method to a cancer diagnostic study that compares several newly developed diagnostic biomarkers to a traditional one. © 2010 Elsevier B.V.
Thakur, PK, Vinod, JS & Indraratna, B 2010, 'Effect of particle breakage on cyclic densification of ballast: A DEM approach', IOP Conference Series: Materials Science and Engineering, vol. 10, pp. 012229-012229.
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Thomas, PS, Šesták, J, Heide, K, Fueglein, E & Šimon, P 2010, 'Thermal properties of Australian sedimentary opals and Czech moldavites', Journal of Thermal Analysis and Calorimetry, vol. 99, no. 3, pp. 861-867.
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The thermal properties are presented for a precious opal sourced from Coober Pedy, South Australia and a moldavite from Bohemia, Czech Republic whose origins differ significantly as opal is derived from the slow isothermal diagenesis of silica, while the tektites are specimens of vitreous silica formed from the terrestrial impact of asteroids. The differences between the two glassy silicates are presented through measurement of the TG-DSC, TMA and high-vacuum-hot-extraction DEGAS analysis.
Trani, LDO & Indraratna, B 2010, 'Assessment of Subballast Filtration under Cyclic Loading', Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering, vol. 136, no. 11, pp. 1519-1528.
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Trani, LDO & Indraratna, B 2010, 'Experimental investigations into subballast filtration behaviour under cyclic conditions', Australian Geomechanics Journal, vol. 45, no. 3, pp. 123-1333.
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In rail track environments the loading system is cyclic unlike the monotonie seepage force that usually occurs in embankment dams. The mechanisms of filtration, interface behaviour and time-dependent changes of the drainage and filtration properties occurring within the filter medium require further research to improve the design guidelines. A novel cyclic process simulation filtration apparatus was designed and commissioned at the University of Wollongong, and a standard testing procedure was established. The test apparatus was designed to simulate heavy haul train operations. Key parameters that influence the change in porosity and pore water pressure within the subballast layer under cyclic conditions in rail track environments were identified.
TRANI, LDO & INDRARATNA, B 2010, 'The use of particle size distribution by surface area method in predicting the saturated hydraulic conductivity of graded granular soils', Géotechnique, vol. 60, no. 12, pp. 957-962.
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The hydraulic conductivity (k) of a fully saturated granular material can be predicted by the well-known Kozeny–Carman formula, and its slightly different variations, based on the porosity (n) and effective diameter (deff). Most variations of the Kozeny–Carman formula compute the parameter deff based on a given conventional particle size distribution by mass (PSDm), where the validation would normally be carried out by comparing against laboratory permeability tests conducted on soils having an average coefficient of uniformity (Cu) of about 3. Knowing that the Kozeny–Carman formula was originally developed for uniformly graded materials, inevitable limitations are inherited when it is applied to increasingly graded soils. This study proposes to convert the PSDm into its equivalence in surface area (PSDsa) conforming to the fundamental geometric assumption by which the Kozeny–Carman equation was originally formulated. The estimated deff based on this proposed PSDsa method appears implicitly to incorporate the size, shape and angularity of the natural grains which were traditionally represented by the shape coefficient (α). The results presented in this paper show that the suggested method is capable of predicting k for fully saturated granular soils with Cu of up 20.
Trani, LDO & Indraratna, B 2010, 'Use of Impedance Probe for Estimation of Porosity Changes in Saturated Granular Filters under Cyclic Loading: Calibration and Application', Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering, vol. 136, no. 10, pp. 1469-1474.
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Tu, KL, Nghiem, LD & Chivas, AR 2010, 'Boron removal by reverse osmosis membranes in seawater desalination applications', Separation and Purification Technology, vol. 75, no. 2, pp. 87-101.
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Turner, BD, Binning, PJ & Sloan, SW 2010, 'Impact of Phosphate on Fluoride Removal by Calcite', Environmental Engineering Science, vol. 27, no. 8, pp. 643-650.
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Vexler, A, Wu, C & Yu, KF 2010, 'Optimal hypothesis testing: from semi to fully Bayes factors', Metrika, vol. 71, no. 2, pp. 125-138.
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We propose and examine statistical test-strategies that are somewhat between the maximum likelihood ratio and Bayes factor methods that are well addressed in the literature. The paper shows an optimality of the proposed tests of hypothesis. We demonstrate that our approach can be easily applied to practical studies, because execution of the tests does not require deriving of asymptotical analytical solutions regarding the type I error. However, when the proposed method is utilized, the classical significance level of tests can be controlled. © Springer-Verlag 2008.
Vinod, JS, Indraratna, B & Mahamud, MAA 2010, 'Stabilisation of an erodible soil using a chemical admixture', Proceedings of the Institution of Civil Engineers - Ground Improvement, vol. 163, no. 1, pp. 43-51.
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Internal erosional behaviour of a lignosulfonate-treated dispersive soil has been studied using apparatus designed and built at University of Wollongong. The effectiveness of lignosulfonate-treated dispersive clay on its erosion resistance has been investigated and its advantages over traditional admixtures (cement) have been presented. Lignosulfonate is a non-toxic admixture that can stabilise certain erodible and dispersive soils effectively, without causing any adverse environmental impact on the ground unlike some traditional stabilisers. Test results show that the erosional parameters such as critical shear stress and coefficient of soil erosion are improved with the increase in the amount of lignosulfonate. Knowledge about the clay particles and lignosulfonate interaction mechanisms is pertinent for long-term environmental sustainability of treated soils, a factor which is poorly understood at microscopic level. Considering this, X-ray diffraction, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy were carried out on representative samples to understand the stabilisation mechanism at the particle scale level. The improvement of performance exhibited by the lignosulfonate-treated soil can be mainly attributed to the reduction of the double-layer thickness by the neutralisation of surface charges of the clay particles and the formation of more stable particle clusters by polymer bridging.
Vinod, JS, Sridharan, A & Indraratna, B 2010, 'Determination of Coefficient of Radial Consolidation Using Steepest Tangent Fitting Method', Geotechnical and Geological Engineering, vol. 28, no. 4, pp. 533-536.
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Barron (Trans ASCE 113:718-724, 1948) theoretical relationship between degree of consolidation (Ur) and time factor (Tr) is generally used to determine the coefficient of radial consolidation cr. Several researchers have proposed different laboratory techniques for obtaining the value of cr. However, the usual approach is to compare some salient features of the theoretical Ur-Tr relationship with the compression, δ and time, t based on the laboratory data. In this paper, rapid consolidation test procedure originally proposed by Su (J Soil Mech Found Div Am Soc Civ Eng No. 95: Proc. Pap. 1729 (1-9), 1958) to determine the coefficient of vertical consolidation (cv) is extended to evaluate Barron's coefficient of radial consolidation cr for the case of equal strain. The characteristic feature of the proposed method is the identification of the steepest tangent from the δ-log t plot. The slope of steepest tangent is independent of the drain spacing ratio (n) with a value of 0.847. This approach is rapid, and it predicts more reliable values of cr as it is less influenced by the secondary compression. In addition, this method is more versatile and can be applied for consolidation trends which do not always exhibit the typical S-shape. © 2010 Springer Science+Business Media B.V.
Vogel, D, Simon, A, Alturki, AA, Bilitewski, B, Price, WE & Nghiem, LD 2010, 'Effects of fouling and scaling on the retention of trace organic contaminants by a nanofiltration membrane: The role of cake-enhanced concentration polarisation', Separation and Purification Technology, vol. 73, no. 2, pp. 256-263.
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Vu, NA, Castel, A & François, R 2010, 'Response of post-tensioned concrete beams with unbonded tendons including serviceability and ultimate state', Engineering Structures, vol. 32, no. 2, pp. 556-569.
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Wei, X & Stewart, MG 2010, 'Model validation and parametric study on the blast response of unreinforced brick masonry walls', International Journal of Impact Engineering, vol. 37, no. 11, pp. 1150-1159.
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Numerical simulations are carried out to estimate the response and damage of unreinforced brick masonry walls subjected to explosive blast loading based on the transient dynamic finite element program LS-DYNA. A previously developed dynamic plastic damage model was used for brick and mortar. A new model for strain rate effects of bricks and mortar is included in the numerical analysis. The results obtained from the numerical models are compared with field test data and good agreement can be found. Parametric studies are conducted to evaluate the effect of material strength, boundary conditions, and thickness of the wall on the blast response of unreinforced brick masonry walls. It was found that boundary conditions and wall thickness significantly affect the blast response, while the effect of material strength is relatively small. © 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
White, R, Thomas, P, Phillips, MR, Moran, K & Wuhrer, R 2010, 'X-Ray Mapping and Scatter Diagram Analysis of the Discoloring Products Resulting from the Interaction of Artist's Pigments', MICROSCOPY AND MICROANALYSIS, vol. 16, no. 5, pp. 594-598.
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The discoloring interaction between the artist's pigments cadmium yellow and the copper-containing malachite, an interaction that is conjectured to cause black spotting in oil paintings of the 19th and early 20th centuries, was examined using X-ray mapping and scatter diagram analysis. The application of these coupled techniques confirmed that copper sulfide phases were produced during discoloration reaction. Scatter diagram analysis indicated that two copper sulfide stoichiometries (CuS and Cu3S2) were present as reaction products where previously only crystalline CuS (covellite) had been identified by X-ray diffraction. The results demonstrate the potential of X-ray mapping coupled with scatter diagram analysis for the identification of both crystalline and X-ray amorphous phases produced by such complex heterogeneous interactions and their applicability to the investigation of interactions of artists' pigments. © Microscopy Society of America 2010.
Wu, C, Fattori, G, Whittaker, A & Oehlers, DJ 2010, 'Investigation of Air-Blast Effects from Spherical-and Cylindrical-Shaped Charges', International Journal of Protective Structures, vol. 1, no. 3, pp. 345-362.
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Although the distributions of peak incident overpressure and impulse generated from spherical charges and cylindrical charges of the same weight can differ greatly close to the point of detonation, spherical charges are assumed for nearly all explosive-effects computations per modern standards for blast-resistant design such as UFC-3-340-02 and the soon-to-be published ASCE Standard for the Blast Protection of Buildings. A blast-testing program was performed using a reinforced concrete slab as the target to investigate the reflected peak overpressure and impulse distributions as a function of charge shape, orientation, and scaled distance. The charge shapes were cylindrical and spherical, and the charge mass varied from 0.24 to 8.0 kg. Nine pressure transducers were installed on the surface of the slab to record the distribution of pressure histories over the face of the target. A finite element model of the explosive and the target was validated using the experimental data. The validated model was then used to undertake a parametric analysis to more broadly study the effects of detonation point, ratio of charge length to charge diameter, charge orientation and standoff distance on the distribution of reflected overpressure. Numerical results are compared with predictions of UFC-3-340-02. For cylindrical charges, the ratio of charge length ( L) to diameter ( D), the orientation of the longitudinal axis of the charge, and detonation point within the charge affected the distributions of reflected peak overpressure and impulse in the immediate vicinity of the explosive. The UFC-3-340-02 underpredicts substantially the reflected peak overpressure and impulse on a target aligned with the vertical axis of a cylindrical charge with an aspect ratio of 1.0.
Xiao, JZ, Li, WG & Tawana, MM 2010, 'On 4R Principle in the Rehabilitation of Concrete Historic Buildings', Advanced Materials Research, vol. 133-134, pp. 985-990.
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vThe 4R principle refers to reduce, reuse, recycle and regeneration, which should be implemented in the process of concrete treatment. In terms of the special micro-structural properties and self-repairing capacity, concrete is one kind of regenerative construction materials. Through proper handlings, self-repairing (crack close-up) of concrete cracks is possible in the concrete hydration damaged region. Due to the effect of heterogeneous nucleation and subsequent crystal growth of calcium hydroxide, a better bonding strength forms interlocking the new and old concrete interfaces. A proposal on the relationship between the self-repairing, regeneration function of concrete and the rehabilitation of historic buildings is suggested, this is based on the formed process of the bonding strength of the interfaces and the function on concrete repairing. Besides the constitution and features of the microstructure of concrete, the relationship between the micro-structure and the macro-mechanical property is also investigated in this paper
Xie, W-M, Ni, B-J, Sheng, G-P, Yu, H-Q & Yang, M 2010, 'Substrate consumption and excess sludge reduction of activated sludge in the presence of uncouplers: a modeling approach', Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology, vol. 85, no. 6, pp. 2001-2008.
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Xie, W-M, Ni, B-J, Zeng, RJ, Sheng, G-P, Yu, H-Q, Song, J, Le, D-Z, Bi, X-J, Liu, C-Q & Yang, M 2010, 'Formation of soluble microbial products by activated sludge under anoxic conditions', Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology, vol. 87, no. 1, pp. 373-382.
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Xing, W, Guo, W, Ngo, H-H, Cullum, P & Listowski, A 2010, 'Integration of Inorganic Micronutrients and Natural Starch Based Cationic Flocculant in Primary Treated Sewage Effluent (PTSE) Treatment', SEPARATION SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, vol. 45, no. 5, pp. 619-625.
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In this study, a natural starch-based cationic flocculant (SBCF) was first evaluated using a granular activated carbon fluidized-bed bioreactor (GAC-FBBR) to treat a high strength synthetic domestic wastewater (primary treated sewage effluent) containing
Xing, W, Ngo, H-H, Guo, W, Wu, Z, Nguyen, TT, Cullum, P, Listowski, A & Yang, N 2010, 'Enhancement of the performance of anaerobic fluidized bed bioreactors (AFBBRs) by a new starch based flocculant', SEPARATION AND PURIFICATION TECHNOLOGY, vol. 72, no. 2, pp. 140-146.
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In this study, laboratory-scale anaerobic fluidized bed bioreactors (AFBBRs) using granular activated carbon as bedding material were employed for treating a primary treated sewage effluent (PTSE) with or without refractory organic pollutants (ROPs). A new starch based flocculant (NSBF) combining a nature starch based cationic flocculants and trace nutrients was prepared and applied in the AFBBR. The impact of NSBF on the performance of AFBBR was mainly evaluated in terms of organic and nutrient removal and microbial activity. Membrane fouling based on critical flux was assessed when the bioreactor used as pretreatment for microfiltration. The results indicated that the addition of NSBF in AFBBR (NSBF-AFBBR) not only attained improved organic (9-10%) and nutrient removal (10-20%), higher biomass growth (3.0 gbiomass/LGAC) and net bed expansion (18 cm), but also doubled the critical flux (from 15 L/m3 h to 30 L/m3 h) in the microfiltration system. In addition, NSBF-AFBBR could retain 10% better DOC removal efficiency at different recirculation rates for treating PTSE with ROPs. When increasing organic loading rate from 21.6 kg COD/m3 d to 43.2 kg COD/m3 d, NSBF-AFBBR achieved comparatively constant organic removal of 55% whereas the efficiency in AFBBR alone decreased dramatically from 47% to 34%. Thus, NSBF could act as a performance enhancer for AFBBR. © 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Yisgedu, TB, Chen, X, Lingam, HK, Huang, Z, Meyers, EA, Shore, SG & Zhao, J-C 2010, 'Intermolecular dihydrogen- and hydrogen-bonding interactions in diammoniumcloso-decahydrodecaborate sesquihydrate', Acta Crystallographica Section C Crystal Structure Communications, vol. 66, no. 1, pp. m1-m3.
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Zhai, X & Stewart, MG 2010, 'Structural reliability analysis of reinforced grouted concrete block masonry walls in compression', Engineering Structures, vol. 32, no. 1, pp. 106-114.
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The safety and reliability of reinforced grouted concrete block masonry is not accurately known in China. The present paper develops a probabilistic model to calculate the structural reliability of typical reinforced grouted concrete block masonry walls designed to Chinese standards, loaded concentrically and eccentrically in compression. The effect of probability distribution of model error, material strengths, live load type, structural safety class, live-to-dead ratio, reinforcement ratio, discretization of wall thickness, eccentricity and load effect combination were considered when calculating the structural reliability of reinforced grouted concrete block masonry walls in compression. When using the recommended distribution of model error for typical structures the existing (design) safety levels were found to be close to the target reliability for concentric compression for second class safety grade structures which comprise the majority of building stock in China. However, the reliability-based code calibration showed that design loads could be increased and decreased by 13.6% and 16.7% for first and third class safety grade structures, respectively. © 2009 Elsevier Ltd.
Zhang, R, Castel, A & François, R 2010, 'Concrete cover cracking with reinforcement corrosion of RC beam during chloride-induced corrosion process', Cement and Concrete Research, vol. 40, no. 3, pp. 415-425.
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Zhang, RJ, Castel, A & François, R 2010, 'Effect of steel corrosion pattern on RC beam performance', Proceedings of the Institution of Civil Engineers - Construction Materials, vol. 163, no. 2, pp. 97-108.
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Chloride-induced corrosion in reinforced concrete leads to a reduction of the steel cross-section and deterioration of the steel–concrete bond. In this paper, experimental results are presented in order to clarify the respective influence of these degradations on beam serviceability (deflection). Pitting corrosion simulations were performed and two naturally corroded beams (14 and 23 years old) were analysed. Corrosion simulations have shown that the reduction in steel cross-section due to local pitting corrosion does not affect serviceability. Increased deflection is due to deterioration of the steel-concrete bond (reduction of concrete tension stiffening). Experimental results obtained on two corroded beams broken and analysed after 14 years and 23 years of chloride exposure showed that, during the natural chloride-induced corrosion process, the corrosion pattern evolves in relation to the corrosion cracking. Localised pitting corrosion is responsible for the initiation of corrosion cracking. Then, as the width of the cracks develops, general corrosion becomes gradually the main corrosion pattern. According to these experimental results, a mechanical model is proposed for serviceability assessment, which takes into account the evolution of the corrosion pattern from local pitting corrosion to general reinforcement corrosion.
Zhang, Z, Fu, Q & Huang, J 2010, 'A Simple Way for Synthesis of Alkyne‐Telechelic Poly(methyl methacrylate) via Single Electron Transfer Radical Coupling Reaction', Chinese Journal of Chemistry, vol. 28, no. 8, pp. 1327-1330.
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AbstractThe telechelic α,ω‐alkyne‐poly(methyl methacrylate) (alkyne‐PMMA‐alkyne) was synthesized by single electron transfer radical coupling (SETRC) reaction of α‐alkyne, ω‐bromine‐poly(methyl methacrylate) (alkyne‐ PMMA‐Br). The propargyl 2‐bomoisobutyrate (PgBiB) was first prepared to initiate atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) of methyl methacrylate at 45°C using CuCl/1,1,4,7,10,10‐hexamethyl triethylenetetramine (HMTETA) as homogeneous catalytic system. Then the SETRC reaction was conducted at room temperature in the presence of nascent Cu(0) and N,N,N′,N′ ′,N′ ′‐pentamethyldiethyllenetriamine (PMDETA). The precursor alkyne‐PMMA‐Br and coupled product alkyne‐PMMA‐alkyne were characterized by GPC and 1H NMR in detail.
Zhao, B-H, Mu, Y, Dong, F, Ni, B-J, Zhao, J-B, Sheng, G-P, Yu, H-Q, Li, Y-Y & Harada, H 2010, 'Dynamic Modeling the Anaerobic Reactor Startup Process', Industrial & Engineering Chemistry Research, vol. 49, no. 16, pp. 7193-7200.
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Abeysuriya, K, Fam, DM, Hagare, P & Williams, J 1970, 'Transitioning to sustainable sanitation through cross disciplinary, practice-based research: an on-campus pilot of urine diversion at UTS', The 10th international conference of Australasian campuses towards sustainability (ACTS Inc): connecting curriculum and campus, International conference of Australasian campuses towards sustainability, RMIT, Melbourne, Australia, pp. 1-8.
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Waterborne sanitation using flushing toilets and sewer networks has been recognised as the most important medical milestone for its transformational impact on urban public health since the 19th century (Ferriman 2007). While this model of urban sanitation has become the accepted norm for the industrialised world, its cost and resource-intensive nature is increasingly recognised as unsustainable. Several alternative models offering improved sustainability through greater material efficiency have emerged (West 2003). One of these is urine diversion (UD), the topic of this paper.
Ardalany, M, Deam, B, Fragiacomo, M & Crews, K 1970, 'Tension perpendicular to grain strength of wood, Laminated Veneer Lumber (LVL) and Cross-Banded LVL (LVL-C)', Incorporating Sustainable Practice in Mechanics of Structures and Materials - Proceedings of the 21st Australasian Conference on the Mechanics of Structures and Materials (ACMSM21), Australasian Conference on the Mechanics of Structures and Materials, CRC Press, Melbourne, Australia, pp. 891-896.
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Recent experimental tests carried out on structural timber members have highlighted the importance of tension perpendicular to grain strength, particularly in beams with holes and notches, in connection regions, in curved beams, and in post-tensioned timber frames, Innovative engineered wood products such as Cross Banded Laminated Veneer Lumber (LVL-C) have been introduced into the market specifically to improve the perpendicular to grain properties of normal Laminated Veneer Lumber (LVL), This paper reports on tests that were performed at the University of Canterbury using specimens of sawn timber Radiata Pine, LVL and LVL-C. The perpendicular to grain tension strengths of LVL was generally lower than those for sawn timber, but the LVL-C showed a significantly improved strength. The paper also compares the experimental results with strengths predicted using both coupled elastic Finite Element Method (FEM) and Linear Elastic Fracture Mechanics (LEFM) models. These models were found to predict the average strength with reasonable accuracy.
Ball, JE & Ara, J 1970, 'Improvements and application of 1D river network transient flow model with Junction Water Stage Iteration Method', Environmental Hydraulics - Proceedings of the 6th International Symposium on Environmental Hydraulics, International Symposium On Environmental Hydraulics, CRC Press, Athens, Greece, pp. 1031-1036.
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Within Australia, Gross Pollutant Traps (GPTs) have been installed in many stormwater drainage networks to improve the storm water quality before its discharge into receiving waters. These GPTs operate by filtering gross pollutants from the stormwater. In many GPTs these filtered pollutants are held within a wet sump until their removal. A significant fraction of the trapped litter can be classified as leaf litter. Before removal, this leaf litter may decay and hence has the potential to release nutrients into the stormwater. Therefore, nutrient management in stormwater needs to consider leaf litter decay trapped in GPTs. The decay of leaf litter stored in a GPT is discussed in the paper. Information for this discussion was obtained from a series of tests simulating the decay of leaf litter in a GPT. These tests used freshly fallen leaf litter collected from Centennial Park in Sydney, Australia. © 2010 Taylor & Francis Group, London.
Ball, JE, Aboura, K & Dubois, DM 1970, 'A Likelihood Approach for Modeling Spatial and Temporal Patterns of Storms Using Radar and Land Data', COMPUTING ANTICIPATORY SYSTEMS, International Conference on Computing Anticipatory Systems, Australian Institute of Physics, Liege, Belgium, pp. 345-353.
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While the existing spatiotemporal approaches provide an estimation of the rainfall over geographical areas, they in effect provide only for an interpolation of the data. The proposed approach introduces the concept of the construction of the likelihood function of the repartition of rain over a territory using historical storm data, both radar and land data. Radar imaging and gauges data are used to build a likelihood model for the estimation and reproduction of spatial and temporal patterns of storms over catchment areas. A novel aspect of the approach is the reduction of the two dimensioned spatial characteristics of storm rainfall fields to a univariate model representation of a storm crossing the geographical area. The study and characterization of radar tracked storms over the catchment area, along with the use of land gauges data for estimation and validation, provide for the spatiotemporal analysis of the storm rainfall, with both time and space variables being univariate. This reduction in dimensionality is a departure from traditional methods where interpolation is the major approach. It allows for the construction of a probability model to explain rainfall statistics at any location. The reproduction of rainfall data for water management studies is done through the storm models. Weather can be considered infinite in its variation, and it is doubtful that any mathematical model would accurately predict rainfall. Weather prediction and its physics are ignored and the emphasis is on the development of a statistical model. Radar imaging is used to process a large amount of information from which statistics are extracted for the construction of the likelihood model. Historical trajectories of storms are looked at as a logical explanation in time for the accumulation of rainfall levels. Along with storms strengths, they provide the essential variables for the dissection and reconstruction of the rainfall process over the catchment area. This reducti...
Ball, JE, Babister, M & Phillips, B 1970, 'Estimation of Design Flood Flows Considering Climate Change', ASFPM Annual Conference: GREEN WORKS to reduce FLOOD LOSSES, GREEN WORKS to reduce FLOOD LOSSES, Association of State Floodplain Managers, Inc., Orlando, Florida, USA, pp. 203-208.
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Since the first edition of Australian Rainfall and Runoff (ARR) (The Institution of Engineers Australia, 1958), the aim of the publication has been to provide Australian designers and analysts with the best available information on estimating floods. Although previous editions in 1958, 1977, and 1987 have served the engineering profession well and have contributed to providing a sound basis for the design and analysis of works and structures that are subject to flood, the National Committee on Water Engineering of Engineers Australia believed that the many recent developments in the understanding of rainfall-runoff processes, the many new tools available for catchment simulation, and the rapidly expanding body of information about rainfall and runoff processes necessitated the production of a new edition. For the new edition, specific attention was made to the developing science of climate change and its impacts on the estimation of design flood flows. Therefore, the design of the revised document and the associated research activities necessary for development of the revised document specifically included provision for guidance on climate change.
Bjarnadottir, S, Li, Y & Stewart, MG 1970, 'Evaluation of Impact of Climate Change on Hurricane Damage Risks and Adaptation Strategies', Structures Congress 2010, Structures Congress 2010, American Society of Civil Engineers, pp. 1745-1756.
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This paper evaluates the potential impact of hurricane damage risks to buildings due to climate change and adaptation strategies. The analysis includes a probabilistic hurricane wind field model and a hurricane vulnerability model. There is a great uncertainty on the potential change in hurricane hazard patterns due to climate change. To represent this uncertainty and to investigate the potential impact of climate change, the paper explores the scenarios of increases of -5 to 10% in mean annual maximum wind speed over 50 years. The effects of regional development dynamics, the rate of retrofit, cost of retrofit, reduction in vulnerability after retrofit, and discount rate are investigated. This risk-cost-benefit analysis is vital in indentifying optimal and cost-effective adaption strategies to the potential adverse effects of enhanced greenhouse conditions. Miami-Dade County, Florida is used as a case study to evaluate the economic viability of various adaptation strategies. © 2010 American Society of Civil Engineers.
Bolch, T, Pradhan, B, Peters, J & Buchroithner, M 1970, 'Identification and monitoring of potentially dangerous glacial lakes in northern Tien Shan (Kazakhstan/Kyrgyzstan) using geoinformation techniques', EGU General Assembly Conference Abstracts, p. 13168.
Crews, KI, Gerber, C & Shrestha, R 1970, 'Development of Design Procedures for Timber Concrete Composite Floors in Australia and New Zealand - Part 2: Connection Characterisation', CIB - W18 - Working Commission W18 - Timber Structures, International Council for Research and Innovation in Building and Construction (CIB) Meetings, Workshops, Symposia, Conferences, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Nelson, New Zealands, pp. 1-8.
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The approach adopted for design of timber concrete composite (TCC) floor systems in Australia and New Zealand is based upon extensive testing of the permitted connection types that are specified in the design procedures, identifying strength, serviceability stiffness and so called ultimate stiffness characteristic properties that are required for utilisation of the 'Gamma coefficients' method, which manipulates properties of the concrete member in order to predict the cross-section characteristics of the structure. This paper presents an overview of testing undertaken to date and the derivation of characteristic properties (5'h percentile for strength and 50'h percentile or average for stiffness).
Dackermann, U, Li, J & Samali, B 1970, 'Identification of added mass on a two-storey framed structure utilising FRFs and ANNs', Incorporating Sustainable Practice in Mechanics of Structures and Materials - Proceedings of the 21st Australian Conference on the Mechanics of Structures and Materials, Australasian Conference on the Mechanics of Structures and Materials, CRC Press, Melbourne, Australia, pp. 757-762.
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This paper presents a vibration-based damage detection method that utilises frequency response functions (FRFs) to identify added mass on a two-storey framed structure. Added mass is used to simulate frequency changes due to structural damage. Artificial neural networks (ANNs) are employed to map changes in FRFs to locations of the added mass. In order to obtain suitable inputs for neural network training, principalcomponent analysis (PCA) techniques are adopted to reduce the size of the FRF data and to filter noise. A hierarchy of neural network ensembles is used to take advantage of individual measurement characteristics from different sensors. The method is tested on laboratory and numerical models of a two-storey framed structure. From the two kinds of structures, FRF data are determined and compressed utilising PCA techniques. The PCAreduced FRFs are then used as input patterns for training and testing of ANN ensembles predicting different locations of added mass. © 2011 Taylor & Francis Group, London.
Ding, GK & Ge, J 1970, 'A challenge to sustainably improving environmental performance of existing housing stock in Australia', CIB 2010 World Congress Proceedings, International Council for Research and Innovation in Building and Construction (CIB) Meetings, Workshops, Symposia, Conferences, CIB, Salford Quays, United Kingdom, pp. 86-98.
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A key global challenge nowadays is to address climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Climate change is one of the most pressing issues facing Australia today. Improvements to energy and water efficiency of existing building stocks can significantly cut greenhouse gas emissions and reduce utility bills. With increasing recognition that green buildings outperform conventional buildings, much less known about how green building initiatives can be incorporated into upgrading existing housing stocks. In Australia due to population growth and increased in the size of dwellings coupled with the reduction of number of person per household have put an enormous pressue on energy and water consumption. Existing houses represent approximately 98% of residential building stocks and any improvement to these dwellings will have a profound impact on reducing the negative effects of the environment. This paper examines the sustainable upgrading strategies in improving environmental performance of three existing single dwellings. This paper presents an economic analysis of sustainable upgrading using Net Present Value. The results suggest that sustainable upgrading of existing housing stocks is feasible and the scheme will be more attractive if more government financial assistance is provided.
Elbialy, S, Mahmoud, A, Pradhan, B & Buchroithner, M 1970, 'An integrated hydrological modelling approach for flood forecasting using GIS: An example of Gottleuba Catchment, Saxony, Germany', EGU General Assembly Conference Abstracts, p. 6118.
Elbialy, S, Mahmoud, A, Pradhan, B & Buchroithner, M 1970, 'Application of Space-borne SAR data for the extraction of soil moisture and its use in hydrological flood modelling in GIS: a case study in Gottleuba Catchment, Saxony, Germany', 38th COSPAR Scientific Assembly, p. 5.
Erdei, L, Dackermann, U & Ball, JE 1970, 'Data-Driven Modelling Of Low-Pressure Hybrid Membrane Filtration Using Multivariate Polynomial Regression', Proceedings of the 9th International Conference on Hydroinformatics 2010, International Conference on Hydroinformatics, Chemical Industry Press, Tianjin, CHINA, pp. 1175-1182.
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Hybrid membrane filtration processes involve complex physical, chemical, and biological phenomena, thus their mechanistic modelling is overly challenging. In this study we use multivariate polynomials to model the fouling of an in-line flocculationâsubmerged membrane filtration system. The performance of obtained models is comparable to that of artificial neural network (ANN) models, to suit the needs of process optimisation and plant control. Their additional advantages are rapid model construction, easy presentation, inspection, and use.
Fang, T & Ball, JE 1970, 'Parameter Uncertainty And Interactions In A Complex Catchment Modelling System', Proceedings of the 9th International Conference on Hydroinformatics 2010, International Conference on Hydroinformatics, Chemical Industry Press, Tianjin, CHINA, pp. 1359-1366.
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The importance of estimating parameter uncertainty has been recognised in the literature with Bayesian methods being the most popular approaches for undertaking parameter uncertainty estimation. With these approaches, the parameter uncertainty is described by the posterior distribution. Application of these methods usually requires a priori knowledge about the proposal distribution of the values of the parameters. However, usually there is little a priori knowledge about the proposal distribution for the parameter values in many catchment models. Furthermore, the difficulties of exploring posterior distribution of parameter values increases as the dimensionality of the problem increases. An alternative approach is to use a GLUE methodology to develop a heuristic estimate of the parameter uncertainty. In this application of a GLUE framework, a real-value coding genetic algorithm was used to undertake an uncertainty analysis on spatially variable control parameters associated with implementation of the Storm Water Management Model (SWMM). The focus of the study was to investigate the values of spatially variable control parameters that are associated with behavioural parameter sets in a complex catchment modelling system. Of particular concern was the frequency that values within a defined range occurred. Interactions among the values of the spatially variable parameters were investigated also. Results obtained from an application of the Pearson Correlation method indicated no clear relationship between any two control parameter values. However, distinct relationships among a group of parameters were detected suggesting that the simulation performance was affected more by the combination of parameter values than by the values of the individual parameters.
Far, H, Fatahi, B & Samali, B 1970, 'Seismic Behaviour of Steel Moment Resisting Buildings on Soft Soil Considering Soil-Structure Interaction', Proceeding of the 14 European Conference on Earthquake Engineering 2010, European Conference on Earthquake Engineering, Macedonian Association for Earthquake Engineering (MAEE), Ohrid, Macedonia, pp. 1720-1727.
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The 1985 Mexico City and many other recent earthquakes clearly illustrate the importance of local soil properties on the earthquake response of structures. These earthquakes demonstrated that the rock motions could be amplified at the base of the structure. Therefore, there is a strong engineering motivation for a site-dependent dynamic response analysis for many foundations to determine the free-field earthquake motions. The determination of a realistic site-dependent free-field surface motion at the base of the structure can be the most important step in the earthquake resistant design of structures. In this study, the effects of Soil-Structure Interaction on seismic behaviour of steel moment resisting building frames have been studied using Finite Difference Method. Two types of mid-rise structures, including 5 and 15 storey buildings on a soft soil deposit have been selected and analysed under influence of three different earthquake acceleration records. The above mentioned frames been analysed under two different boundary conditions: (i) fixed-base (no soil-structure interaction), and (ii) flexible-base (considering soil-structure interaction). The results of the analyses in terms of structural forces and lateral displacements for the above mentioned boundary conditions have been compared and discussed. It is concluded that the dynamic soil-structure interaction plays a significant role in the seismic behaviour of the mentioned building frames including substantial increment in lateral inter-storey drifts of the structures and changing the performance level of the structures from life safe to near collapse or total collapse. Thus, Considering SSI effects in seismic design of steel moment resisting building frames resting on soft soil deposit is essential.
Far, H, Samali, B & Fatahi, B 1970, 'Effects of Dynamic Soil-Structure Interaction on Inelastic Behaviour of Mid-Rise Moment Resisting Buildings on Soft Soils', AEES Conference 2010 - Australian Earthquake Engineering Society 2010 Conference, Australian Earthquake Engineering Society Conference, Australian Earthquake Engineering Society, Perth, Western Australia, pp. 1-11.
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In this study, a ten storey moment resisting building frame, representing the conventional type of regular mid-rise building frames, resting on shallow foundation, is selected in conjunction with a clayey soil, representing subsoil class Ee, as classified in the AS 1170.4. The structural sections are designed after applying dynamic nonlinear time history analysis, based on both elastic method, and inelastic procedure using elastic-perfectly plastic behaviour of structural elements. The frame sections are modelled and analysed, employing Finite Difference Method using FLAC 2D software under two different boundary conditions: (i) fixed-base (no Soil-Structure Interaction), and (ii) considering Soil-Structure Interaction (SSI). Fully nonlinear dynamic analysis under influence of different earthquake records is conducted and the results of the two different cases for elastic and inelastic behaviour of the structural model are extracted and compared respectively. The results indicate that the lateral deflection increments for both cases are substantially dominating and can change the performance level of the structures from life safe to near collapse or total collapse. Therefore, conventional elastic and inelastic structural analysis methods assuming fixed-base structure may no longer be adequate to guarantee the structural safety. Therefore, considering SSI effects in seismic design of concrete moment resisting building frames resting on soft soil deposit is essential.
Fatahi, B, Far, H & Samali, B 1970, 'Influence Of Soil Characteristics On Seismic Response Of Mid-Rise Moment Resisting Buildings Considering Soil-Structure Interaction', Seismic Engineering Design for Management of Geohazards - Proceedings of the 2010 Symposium, Seismic Engineering Design for Management of Geohazards, The Australian Geomechanics Society, Sydney, NSW, Australia, pp. 67-74.
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In this study, a fifteen storey moment resisting building frame, representing the conventional types of regular mid-rise building frames, resting on a shallow foundation, is selected in conjunction with three soil types with the shear wave velocity less that 600m/s, representing classes Ce, De and Ee, according to AS 1170.4. Characteristics of the employed soils have been extracted from the available geotechnical investigation reports of various projects. Furthermore, the structure is modelled considering the three mentioned types of the subsoil medium underneath employing the Finite Difference approach using FLAC 2D software. Three strong ground motion records adopted by the international community as benchmark earthquakes are used. These are the 1968 Hachinohe, the 1995 Kobe and the 1994 Northridge earthquakes. Fully nonlinear dynamic analysis under influence of different earthquake records is conducted, and the results of the three different cases are compared and discussed. The results indicate that the dynamic properties of the subsoil play a significant role in seismic response of the building frames under the influence of soil-structure interaction. As the shear wave velocity of the subsoil decreases, lateral deflections and inter-storey drifts of the structures increase which can change the performance level of the structures from life safe to near collapse or total collapse.
Gerber, C, Crews, K, Foscoliano, M & Agus, S 1970, 'Development of timber concrete composite flooring in Australia and New Zealand', 11th World Conference on Timber Engineering 2010, WCTE 2010, pp. 139-146.
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In 2007 a major R&D project commenced in Australia, investigating the performance of timber concrete composite flooring systems for potential application in non residential buildings. In mid 2008 the scope of the project was extended with the formation of the Structural Timber Innovation Company, which is a research consortium of government, industry and the University's of Canterbury, Auckland and UTS in Sydney. The two year project has been undertaken by the University of Technology, Sydney in collaboration with the University of Canterbury, (NZ) and had focused on developing and characterising the performance of various types of timber / concrete connections. This paper describes the work undertaken in this project, including optimisation of connection geometries and presents the results of testing of over 100 connection assemblies, as well as discussing constructability issues that need to be addressed for this type of technology to gain acceptance in Australia and New Zealand and discussing current research that will continue until 2012.
Hai Zhao, Dengqing Cao & Xinqun Zhu 1970, 'Aerodynamic flutter and limit cycle analysis for a 2-D wing with pitching freeplay in the supersonic flow', 2010 3rd International Symposium on Systems and Control in Aeronautics and Astronautics, 2010 3rd International Symposium on Systems and Control in Aeronautics and Astronautics (ISSCAA 2010), IEEE, pp. 1105-1109.
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The problem of flutter and limit cycle oscillation (LCO) for two-degrees-of freedom airfoil with structural and aerodynamic nonlinearities is addressed in this paper. The model which includes freeplay in pitching is established using the Lagrange equation. The aerodynamic lift and moment are derived in terms of the 3rd-order piston theory. The forth order Runge-Kutta method is employed to solve the nonlinear dynamic equations numerically. Period response, multi-periodic response and chaotic motion are observed after investigating the phase plane and power spectral density diagrams. Bifurcation diagram of the pitching is obtained with gradually increasing values of the dimensionless air speed. The results indicate that the critical flutter speed is lower than that of the system without freeplay. It can be also concluded from the simulation that the initial value and the magnitude of the freeplay have significant effects on the dynamic motion of the system in both regions of stable and LCO. The dimensionless air speed region in which the system behaves chaotic motion is wider than that reported in the existing literature. ©2010 IEEE.
Hamedanimojarrad, P, Adam, G, Ray, A, Vessalas, K, Thomas, P & Thomas, S 1970, 'A novel multi-functional expansive additive for drying shrinkage reduction in mortars', Incorporating Sustainable Practice in Mechanics of Structures and Materials - Proceedings of the 21st Australasian Conference on the Mechanics of Structures and Materials (ACMSM21), Australasian Conference on the Mechanics of Structures and Materials, CRC Press, Melbourne, Australia, pp. 877-881.
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Several shrinkage compensating additives and admixtures are currently used in mortar and concrete. This study deals with the literature review and categorization of different classes of expansive additives with the objective of introducing a new range of polymeric additive. In this investigation an inorganic polymer, which is a multifunctional expansive additive, was used in different mixes of mortar. The results of experiments on drying shrinkage as well as its effect on several physical properties are reported. The new polymeric additive used in the experiments were found to decrease the amount of drying shrinkage when compared with a control mixture through the reaction of the inorganic polymer with calcium hydroxide forming a stable binder as well as an expansive agent. This new additive also proved to have a positive effect on some fresh and hardened properties of mortar.
Howes, JM, Stuart, BH, Thomas, P & Raja, S 1970, 'The analysis of forensic bones using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy', 20th International Symposium on the Forensic Sciences Abstract Book, 20th International Symposium on the Forensic Sciences, Sydney.
Indraratna, B, Geng, X & Rujikiatkamjorn, C 1970, 'Nonlinear Analysis for a Single Vertical Drain Including the Effects of Preloading Considering the Compressibility and Permeability of the Soil', GeoFlorida 2010, GeoFlorida 2010, American Society of Civil Engineers, pp. 147-156.
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In this paper, the free strain radial consolidation theory incorporating the changes of compressibility and permeability of the soil with the change in effective stress via time dependent surcharge preloading is presented. In contrast to the conventional analysis, the current study highlights the nonlinear characteristics of the soil during the consolidation process. A comparison of the nonlinear radial consolidation model, with the conventional theory and the equal strain theory i.e. constant volume compressibility, m v and constant coefficient of horizontal permeability, kh is presented. Finally, a case history at Muar coastal plain, Malaysia is analysed on the basis of the current solution. This case history indicates improved accuracy of the predictions in relation to the field measurements and observations. © 2010 ASCE.
Indraratna, B, Nimbalkar, SS & Tennakoon, N 1970, 'The Behaviour of Ballasted Track Foundations: Track Drainage and Geosynthetic Reinforcement', GeoFlorida 2010, GeoFlorida 2010, American Society of Civil Engineers, pp. 2378-2387.
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Ballasted Rail tracks are widely used throughout the world due to its resiliency to the repeated wheel loads, low construction cost and ease of maintenance. However, the ballast layer needs periodic maintenance due to its deformation and degradation associated with particle breakage and fouling. A proper understanding of the contamination due to various types of fines and its implications on track drainage is a pre-requisite for effective implementation of track maintenance operations. A new parameter Void Contaminant Index (VCI) can accurately assess the contamination as it includes the effect of void ratio, specific gravity and gradation of ballast and fouling material. A series of constant head hydraulic conductivity tests using a specially designed large-scale permeability apparatus were performed on fresh ballast mixed with different proportions of fines to study the relationship between the percentage of fouling and drainage characteristics. A field trial is conducted on an instrumented track at Bulli, NSW Australia, to study the benefits of a geocomposite layer installed at the ballast-capping interface, and to evaluate the performance of recycled ballast in comparison to traditionally uniform fresh ballast. It is found that recycled ballast can be effectively reused if reinforced with a geocomposite. The geocomposite can effectively reduce vertical and lateral deformations of the ballast with obvious implications on improved track stability thereby reducing maintenance costs. © 2010 ASCE.
Jupp, JR 1970, 'A network theoretic perspective of decision processes in complex construction projects', Proceedings of 2010 International Conference on Construction & Real Estate Management, International Conference on Construction & Real Estate Management, China Architecture & Building Press, Brisbane, Australia, pp. 141-147.
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This paper proposes an approach to modelling and visualising decision processes in large complex construction projects by incorporating a network perspective. Computer modelling and visualisation of decision processes as social and task-entity networks makes possible the identification of key participants, critical tasks, latent networks, vulnerabilities and dynamics that impact upon complex decision situations. New advances in network theory can help reveal the ways in which social, organisational, political and technological relationships shape decision outcomes. By conceiving decision processes as a complex system and modelling this system using network-theoretic principles, it is possible to include a tremendous amount of information that has remained untapped by conventional qualitative, game-theoretic, and statistical approaches. This research contributes to the understanding of the strategic implications of decision processes as complex systems of interacting actors and problem tasks, and provides the technological means for supporting them. The approach has been verified through the development of an experimental network-theoretic system.
Kemmer, SL, Rocha, CG, Meneses, LO, Pacheco, AVL & Formoso, CT 1970, 'Application of lean principles to manage a customisation process', Challenging Lean Construction Thinking: What Do We Think and What Do We Know? - 18th Annual Conference of the International Group for Lean Construction, IGLC 18, pp. 306-315.
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The increasing diversity of dwellers lifestyles and requirements demand changes in the house building industry. The adoption of customisation strategies by constructions companies will increase the product value. Nonetheless, a major challenge is how to increase product variety while maintaining an efficient production process. This paper describes a set of practices developed by a medium-sized construction firm for managing customisation during the construction phase. This firm builds housing units for high-end customers who value quality as well as product flexibility. As a result, customisation is considered a strategic asset by the firm and therefore requires the introduction of several changes in the production process so that customers' requirements could be fulfilled without compromising the efficiency of site and office operations. In order to implement this process, the firm had to change the longstanding view that design changes required by customers harm site operations to the one which recognized that carrying out those changes could in fact add value for customers from the market niche targeted by the firm and thus increase sales. The customisation practices introduced by the firm were strongly based on Lean Construction concepts and principles, such as process transparency, reducing the share of non-value-added activities, increasing output value through systematic consideration of customers' requirements, increasing output flexibility, batch size reduction, focusing on controlling the whole process, constraint analysis, among others. This paper focuses on three house-building projects that had high levels of customisation and how the customisation process was managed.
Keshavarzi, A & Ball, J 1970, 'River Bed and Bank Stability Using Convex, Concave and Linear Bed Sills', ADVANCES IN HYDRAULIC PHYSICAL MODELING AND FIELD INVESTMENT AND INVESTIGATION, International Symposium on Hydraulic Physical Modeling and Field Investigation (ISHPF 2010), CHINA WATERPOWER PRESS-CWPP, Nanjing, PEOPLES R CHINA, pp. 396-400.
Keshavarzi, A, Ball, J & Hedayat, N 1970, 'Study of flow structure over the ripples in the bed of open channel', WMSCI 2010 - The 14th World Multi-Conference on Systemics, Cybernetics and Informatics, Proceedings, 14th World Multi-Conference on Systemics, Cybernetics and Informatics, INT INST INFORMATICS & SYSTEMICS, Orlando, FL, pp. 205-210.
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The structure of turbulent flow over the ripples in an open channel is very important for sediment entrainment and transport and it is a flow characteristic that is not completely understood at present. In this study, the flow structure over ripples was investigated experimentally. To investigate flow structure, the velocity of flow over the ripples in an open channel was measured in three dimensions using an Acoustic Doppler Velocity meter (Micro-ADV). The velocity of the flow was measured at 128 points in the flow with a sampling rate of 50 samples per second. The time averaged flow velocities in the longitudinal and vertical directions were computed prior to analysis of velocity fluctuations to find the contribution of the bursting events into Reynolds shear stress. Presented herein is a discussion of the contribution of bursting events and the Reynolds shear stress as determined in this paper.
Keshavarzy, A, Ball, JE & Hedayat, N 1970, 'Study of Flow Structure over the Ripples in the Bed of Open Channel', Proceedings: The 6th International Symposium on Management, Engineering and Informatics: MEI 2010 (In the Context of The 14th Multi-conference on Systemics, Cybernetics and Informatics: WMSCI 2010), International Symposium on Management, Engineering and Informatics: MEI, International Institute of Informatics and Systemics (IIIS), Florida, USA, pp. 1-6.
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The structure of turbulent flow over the ripples in an open channel is very important for sediment entrainment and transport and it is a flow characteristic that is not completely understood at present. In this study, the flow structure over ripples was investigated experimentally. To investigate flow structure, the velocity of flow over the ripples in an open channel was measured in three dimensions using an Acoustic Doppler Velocity meter (Micro-ADV). The velocity of the flow was measured at 128 points in the flow with a sampling rate of 50 samples per second. The time averaged flow velocities in the longitudinal and vertical directions were computed prior to analysis of velocity fluctuations to find the contribution of the bursting events into Reynolds shear stress. Presented herein is a discussion of the contribution of bursting events and the Reynolds shear stress as determined in this paper.
Khan, A, Khan, EU, Nasir, AB & Khabbaz, H 1970, 'Methods for Estimating Internal Erosion in Embankment Dams', Proceedings of the International Conference on Geotechnical Engineering, International Conference on Geotechnical Engineering, Pakistan Geotechnical Engineering Society (PGES), Lahore, Pakistan, pp. 129-135.
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Historical data shows that piping failure is one of the most common modes of failure in dams. To evaluate the safety of dams it is necessary to estimate the internal erosion rate based on precise geotechnical and soil hydraulic properties. This paper presents two methods for estimating the internal erosion through embankment dams. The findings of this paper indicate that a combination of these two methods can lead to a more robust and reliable set of results when estimating internal erosion of embankment dams.
Lee, F, Almeida, M & Indraratna, B 1970, 'Physical modelling of soft ground problems', Physical Modelling in Geotechnics - Proceedings of the 7th International Conference on Physical Modelling in Geotechnics 2010, ICPMG 2010, CRC Press, pp. 45-66.
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This paper reviews the application of physical modelling to soft ground engineering problems. The problems discussed include foundations and bearing problems, consolidation and preloading problems, ground improvement and underground constructions. © 2010 Taylor & Francis Group, London.
Li, J, Müller-Tomfelde, C & Hyatt, A 1970, 'Supporting collaborations across a biocontainment barrier', Proceedings of the 22nd Conference of the Computer-Human Interaction Special Interest Group of Australia on Computer-Human Interaction, OZCHI '10: Proceedings of the 22th conference of the computer-human interaction special interest group of Australia on Computer-human interaction, ACM, Brisbane, Australia, pp. 320-323.
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We present the design process of a collaboration platform which allows research and diagnostics scientists in an animal health laboratory to work collaboratively across a biocontainment barrier. This Biosecurity Collaboration Platform (BCP) integrates high quality audio-video communications with a large shared interactive workspace. It enables real-time sharing of a broad range of data from various data repositories and computer applications, including microscope imaging. We describe the one-year design and development activities which included field study, scenario-based use case analysis, iterative design and evaluations. We highlight factors relating to the unique setting and the associated difficulties in information sharing and communication. We discuss the importance of an appropriate design approach and our solution of an integrated interaction and communication workspace with appropriate configurations to support the scientific collaborations.
Liu, B, Ray, AS & Thomas, P 1970, 'Drying shrinkage of hydrothermally cured cements with reactive magnesia and clay brick waste', Proceedings of the 12th International Inorganic-Bonded Fiber Composites Conference, International Inorganic-Bonded Fiber Composites Conference, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark, pp. 90-95.
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In recent years, worldwide research and development in the cement industry has gathered momentum with an aim to explore innovative and sustainable methods to deliver environmentally responsible Portland Cement (PC) based construction products. This study investigated physical and mechanical properties of autoclaved cement-quartz sand blends with the addition of clay-brick waste (CB waste) and reactive magnesia (MgO) with the aim to lower CO2 emissions through the reduction of PC consumption. Mechanical properties and drying shrinkage showed improvements with the incorporation of CB waste due to increased amounts and crystallinity of Al-tobermorite. The addition of reactive MgO to PC in hydrothermal conditions was observed to have a negative effect on the compressive strength. XRD data indicated that MgO did not take part in the reaction during the hydration of the cement and may even retard tobermorite formation. However, the expansive nature from the hydration of MgO to brucite may have compensated for drying shrinkage.
Nguyen, TV, Rahman, A, Vigneswaran, S, Ngo, HH, Chang, JS & Chang, CY 1970, 'The uptake of arsenite by coprecipitation and adsorption on iron oxide coated sponge', Arsenic in Geosphere and Human Diseases, As 2010 - 3rd International Congress: Arsenic in the Environment, 3rd International Congress on Arsenic in the Environment, CRC PRESS-TAYLOR & FRANCIS GROUP, Natl Cheng Kung Univ, Dept Earth Sci, Tainan, TAIWAN, pp. 450-452.
Nimbalkar, SS & Choudhury, D 1970, 'Effect of Amplification on Seismic Stability of Tailings Dam', Soil Dynamics and Earthquake Engineering, GeoShanghai International Conference 2010, American Society of Civil Engineers, pp. 340-345.
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The stability of tailings dams in earthquakes prone areas has become a matter of increasing concern as seismic knowledge has advanced. For the seismic slope stability assessment of tailings dam, majority of current design methodologies rely on the use of pseudo-static approach. However, the crude estimate of finding approximate seismic accelerations makes the pseudo-static approach too conservative to adopt in the stability assessment. In this paper, horizontal slice method is used which considers the seismic inertia forces acting on the sliding wedge of the tailings dam by incorporating the effects of time, phase difference and amplification in shear and primary waves along with the horizontal and vertical seismic accelerations and other soil properties. Results are provided in the graphical form for the stability analysis of tailings dam. © 2010 ASCE.
Parsa Pajouh, A, Fatahi, B & Khabbaz, H 1970, 'Uncertainties of Smear Zone Characteristics in the Design of Preloading with Prefabricated Vertical Drains', The 4th International Conference on Geotechnical Engineering and Soil Mechanics (ICSESM 2010), International Conference on Geotechnical Engineering and Soil Mechanics, Iranian Geotechnical Society (IGS), Tehran, Iran, pp. 1-8.
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Installing prefabricated vertical drains using mandrels induces disturbance of the soil surrounding the drain, resulting in a smear zone with the reduced permeability. The required time for pore pressure dissipation in preloading design is strongly associated with the smear zone characteristics. In this study, the effects of smear zone properties on preloading time are numerically investigated. Parametric study is conducted to find out the range of smear zone parameters significantly influencing the consolidation period. It is observed that the characteristics of smear zone namely size and permeability have a substantial impact on the preloading design to achieve certain soil strength and stiffness satisfying both bearing capacity and settlement design criteria.
Pradhan, B & Mansor, S 1970, 'An application of neural network model for landslide susceptibility classification on Pahang area, Malaysia', EGU General Assembly Conference Abstracts, p. 815.
Pradhan, B, Lee, S, Hyun-Joo, O & Buchroithner, MF 1970, 'Validation of a neural network model using cross application approaches', EGU General Assembly Conference Abstracts, p. 988.
Price, A & Nejadi, S 1970, 'Calculation of long-term Deflection in Concrete Slabs Using Finite Element Methods', CECAS & ASEC 2010: Innovative Community Building - The 5th Civil Engineering Conference in the Asian Region and Australasian Structural Engineering Conference 2010, The 5th Civil Engineering Conference in the Asian Region and Australasian Structural Engineering Conference 2010, Engineers Australia, Sydney, NSW, Australia, pp. 1-6.
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The deflection of concrete slabs involves numerous factors including the geometric properties, concrete properties and load history. Long-term deflections are the result of a decrease in stiffness overtime due to concrete shrinkage and creep effects. Finite element programs are useful to analyse the behaviour of concrete slabs most notably two way slab systems. However, they lack the current functionality to accurately model long term deflections due to the complexity of factors involved. Currently there is no industry accepted method to calculate long-term deflections in concrete slabs using finite element software. AS 3600 Concrete Structures makes no mention and provides no guidelines for the analysis of concrete slab deflections using finite element software. Without industry guidelines there is an increased risk of structures failing to meet the required serviceability limit state using finite element methods. This study has explored the factors that contribute to the time-delayed increase in concrete slab deflections known as long-term deflections. RAM Concept is a finite element program where the Load Factors, Cracked Element Analysis and RAM Conceptâs Effective Curvature Ratio (ECR) methods have been used to estimate the concrete slabs long-term deflections. The finite element results have been compared to the previously tested one-way (Gilbert, 2008) and two-way (Gilbert & Guo, 2002) concrete slabs that had been subjected to sustained loads.
Raja, S, Stuart, B & Thomas, P 1970, 'The development of analytical techniques for the determination of forensic bone age', Science & Justice, UTS Faculty of Science Research Day, Elsevier BV, pp. 36-37.
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Raja, S, Stuart, BH, Thomas, P & Howes, JM 1970, 'The effect of soil burial environment on forensic bone structure', 20th International Symposium on the Forensic Sciences Abstract Book, 20th International Symposium on the Forensic Sciences, Sydney.
Raja, S, Stuart, BH, Thomas, P & Howes, JM 1970, 'The effect of soil burial environment on forensic bone structure', 20th International Symposium on the Forensic Sciences Abstract Book, 20th International Symposium on the Forensic Sciences, Sydney.
Rijal, R, Samali, B & Crews, K 1970, 'Dynamic performance of timber-concrete composite flooring systems', Incorporating Sustainable Practice in Mechanics of Structures and Materials - Proceedings of the 21st Australasian Conference on the Mechanics of Structures and Materials (ACMSM21), Australasian Conference on the Mechanics of Structures and Materials, CRC Press, Melbourne, Australia, pp. 315-319.
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Long span and light weight floor construction in recent times has led to increased concerns on the dynamic issues with the flooring systems. Therefore, there is a growing need for measurement of dynamic characteristics such as fundamental natural frequency, damping ratio, and mode shapes of floor systems to investigate their behaviour. A combination of timber and concrete has been extensively used to construct floors over the past three decades to resolve most of the issues such as vibration and acoustic encountered in full timber flooring systems. his paper presents the results such as fundamental natural frequency, damping ratio and composite action index from dynamic investigation on four TCC beams with identical geometry but with different connection systems. Initially all the beams were excited by instrumented hammer and free vibration responses were recorded. The connection systems tested included bird-mouth notch with coach screw, nonnal and SFS screws without any notches.
Rijal, R, Samali, B, Crews, K & Shrestha, R 1970, 'Dynamic behaviour of timber-concrete composite flooring systems', 11th World Conference on Timber Engineering 2010, WCTE 2010, pp. 1815-1820.
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Floors are almost always designed against the action of static loads, despite everyday evidence that dynamic loads are also of great importance and therefore there is a growing need for measurement of dynamic parameters like natural frequencies, and damping ratio of the floors. Timber-concrete composite (TCC) floors have been found to resolve vibration susceptibility and low impact insulation issues concerned with full timber floors; however, the composite behaviour of TCC floors depends primarily upon the efficiency of the connection system used. The dynamic parameters of the flooring system can be used to assess the efficiency of the connection system. This paper presents a comprehensive review on dynamic parameters of TCC flooring systems and tests to determine these parameters. Serviceability requirements for TCC floors to control vibration are also discussed. Brief description of ongoing dynamic tests using instrumented hammer test on TCC beams are finally presented.
Ruzinoor, CM, Shariff, ARM, Mahmud, AR, Pradhan, B & Rahim, MSM 1970, '3D terrain visualization: a comparison of different contour intervals for terrain data draped with aerial photograph', Proceedings of 6th Remote Sensing and GIS Conference and Exhibition (MRSS 2010), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Saleh, A & Li, J 1970, 'Innovative Assessment and Feedback System for Structural Engineering Education', Proceedings of the 21st Annual Conference for the Australasian Association for Engineering Education, Annual Conference of Australasian Association for Engineering Education, University of Technology, Sydney, Sydney, Australia, pp. 315-321.
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Commercial Online course management platforms are increasingly used in teaching and learning in many disciplines. However their use for setting assessment tasks in engineering education is often difficult and limited in achieving desired teaching and learning objectives. This is partly due to the nature of engineering exercise problems which often requires equation manipulation and multi-stage problem solving. This paper presents an innovative spreadsheet based tool which is designed to cater for this type of problem. The tool was developed for both formative and summative assessments and with a resource optimal capability to automate both marking and collecting timely feedback from students on their perceived learning. It aims to encourage active learning with activatable hints and to minimise plagiarism by generating individual assignment data for each student.
Samali, B, Crews, K, Aboura, K, Ariyaratne, W & Manamperi, P 1970, 'A system for bridge network condition assessment and prediction', Incorporating Sustainable Practice in Mechanics of Structures and Materials - Proceedings of the 21st Australasian Conference on the Mechanics of Structures and Materials (ACMSM21), Australasian Conference on the Mechanics of Structures and Materials, CRC Press, Melbourne, Australia, pp. 739-744.
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Traditionally, bridge management systems were designed using a Markov chain decision model. Based on the analysis of 15 years of bridge inspection data, we apply the gamma process instead, After extracting all relevant information, enough data was collected on the condition paths of elements to build a deterioration model. The element conditions follow a time period in full condition then start deteriorating. We consider a random variable for the last time the condition was observed to be 100%. We consider the stochastic deterioration process that follows. The amalgamation of the two part process through probabilistic arguments creates a new stochastic process. The novel stochastic process characteristics are derived through the data to provide a predictive model for the element, bridge and network conditions. We showcase a software solution for bridge network condition assessment, monitoring and prediction.
Samarin, A 1970, 'Towards better understanding of the amorphous silica - Alkali reactions and the means of preventing glass aggregate expansion in concrete', 2nd International Conference on Sustainable Construction Materials and Technologies, Second International Conference on Sustainable Construction Materials and Technologies, Coventry University and The University of Wisconsin Milwaukee Centre for By-products Utilization, Ancona, Italy, pp. 1-8.
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The effect of quantity and characteristics of the components of amorphous silica - alkali reactions, based on the research carried at the CSIRO Laboratories in Australia and by the author are discussed. Conditions under which the expansion of silica-gel can be reduced to a safe level or even completely eliminated are presented. The emphasis is made on the commercially viable and the most economical means of the safe use of crushed soda-lime glasses (which account for about ninety percent of all manufactured glasses) as an aggregate in structural, durable and dimensionally stable concretes, in which hydraulic cements are used as a binder. With the depletion of good quality natural aggregates from quarries located in the proximity of construction and development sites, the use of recycled materials becomes particularly important in the current climate of global recession. It should be emphasized, however, that the results of these findings may not be universal, and when applied to the specific local conditions (both - glass and hydraulic cements) should be verified in the laboratory tests.
Sezer, E, Pradhan, B & Gokceoglu, C 1970, 'An application of adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system to landslide susceptibility mapping (Klang valley, Malaysia)', EGU General Assembly Conference Abstracts, p. 48.
Shao, W, Bouzerdoum, A, Phung, SL, Su, L, Indraratna, B & Rujikiatkamjorn, C 1970, 'Automatic classification of GPR signals', Proceedings of the XIII Internarional Conference on Ground Penetrating Radar, 2010 13th International Conference on Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR 2010), IEEE.
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Ground penetrating radar has been widely used in many areas. However, the processing and interpretation of acquired signals remains a challenging task since it requires experienced users to manage the whole operations. In this paper, we propose an automatic classification system to categorise GPR signals based on magnitude spectrum amplitudes and support vector machines. The system is tested on a real-world GPR data set. The experimental results show that our system can correctly distinguish ground penetrating radar signals reflected by different materials. ©2009 IEEE.
Shrestha, B & Khabbaz, H 1970, 'Improving Reinforced Soil Performance Incorporating Vertical Reinforcement', Ground Improvement and Geosynthetics, GeoShanghai International Conference 2010, American Society of Civil Engineers, Shanghai, China, pp. 249-254.
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Reinforced soils have been widely used in different variety and range of applications. Applying vertical reinforcement along with conventional horizontal reinforcement, a new concept of soil reinforcement, is proposed in this paper. The primary difference between the general practice and the insertion of vertical reinforcement is that the latter provides passive resistance against shearing, making all the layers intact that will increase the strength and stability of the reinforced soil. Different modes of failure can be tackled by this improvement in reinforced soil technology. Vertical reinforcement cages the soils in different units along with layered by horizontal reinforcement and produce intact effects in soil mass. It enhances the tensile strength and provides bending effects. Likewise, implementing vertical reinforcement reduces the induced tensile stresses in horizontal reinforcement, which results in less length. The main objective of the vertical reinforcement is to stitch horizontal reinforcing layers to each other. This paper also presents possible methods of construction process. This technology can add numerous benefits to the current industry of soil reinforcement.
Sriravindrarajah, R, Do, H, Nguyen, L & Aoki, Y 1970, 'Effect of clogging on the water permeability of pervious concrete', Incorporating Sustainable Practice in Mechanics of Structures and Materials - Proceedings of the 21st Australasian Conference on the Mechanics of Structures and Materials (ACMSM21), Australasian Conference on the Mechanics of Structures and Materials, CRC Press, Melbourne, Australia, pp. 873-876.
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Use of pervious concrete for pavement construction provides benefits such as reducing the stormwater run-off and recharging the ground water. This paper discusses the results of an experimental investigation into the effect of pore structure clogging and compaction on the water permeability of pervious concrete. The water permeability of pervious concrete was studied under falling head. The results showed that the clayey materials presence in the percolating water had seriously reduced the water permeability of pervious concrete. High-pressure water cleaning was found to partially recover the water permeability of pervious concrete. Since compaction causes pore structure modification, it should not be used with pervious concrete to ensure high water permeability of pervious concrete.
Vessalas, K, Ray, AS, Thomas, P, Joyce, PA & Haggman, J 1970, 'Pitchstone Fines: A New Inorganic Binder For Portland Cement-Based Construction Products', Proceedings of the 12th International Inorganic-Bonded Fiber Composites Conference, International Inorganic-Bonded Fiber Composites Conference, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark, pp. 39-47.
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The findings of this investigation into the performance pitchstone fines (PF) sourced from a naturally occurring pitchstone deposit in Queensland Australia as a potential pozzolanic supplementary cementitious material (SCM) are reported. 50 mm mortar cubes were prepared by replacement of 20% of the Portland cement (PC) with PF and PF blended with silica fume (SF) in a 1:1 ratio. Mortar cubes were also prepared with a 20% PC substitution level using fly ash (FA) and FA blended with SF also in a 1:1 ratio for comparison as the SCM. Control mortar cubes without PC substitution were also prepared. The compressive strength results for PF blended mortars were comparable to FA mortars, were within 75% of the control mortar at 7 and 28 days and approached the strength of the control mortar at 91 days curing. PF and FA blends containing SF produced compressive strength which surpassed the control mortar. Drying shrinkage measurements are also reported for up to 28 days storage in air. The PF mortar was found to have comparable shrinkage to the control mortar; the shrinkage of the FA mortar was found to be significantly greater. The differences were attributed to the particle shape, angularity and size resulting in greater capillary forces in the FA mortars resulting in greater shrinkage.
Zabihi, Z, Crews, K & Samali, B 1970, 'Modern trends in long span timber flooring systems', Incorporating Sustainable Practice in Mechanics of Structures and Materials - Proceedings of the 21st Australasian Conference on the Mechanics of Structures and Materials (ACMSM21), Australasian Conference on the Mechanics of Structures and Materials, CRC Press, Melbourne, Australia, pp. 903-907.
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With the advent of other types of flooring systems utilising stronger materials and higher performance, timber flooring has been mainly restricted to domestic applications. However, the advent of engineered wood products (EWP's) such as LVL and glulam as well as a new generation of adhesives has provided the means to fabricate large section, long spanning structural members with equal structural properties to that of steel or concrete used in the same applications. On the other hand, timber is the only structural material that is truly renewable and sustainable, and timber buildings result in lower CO2 emissions, therefore, timber structures have attracted a great deal of renewed interest. In this paper, modern trends and approaches used in timber flooring systems worldwide is presented with comments regarding each system's pros and cons, design criteria and requirements. Systems with potential suitability for Australia and New Zealand for non-residential/commercial applications are also discussed.
Zad, A, Li, J, Samali, B & Crews, K 1970, 'Finite element evaluation of non-destructive testing methods for embedded timber poles in service', Incorporating Sustainable Practice in Mechanics of Structures and Materials - Proceedings of the 21st Australian Conference on the Mechanics of Structures and Materials, Australasian Conference on the Mechanics of Structures and Materials, CRC Press, Melbourne, Australia, pp. 909-914.
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This paper presents the results of numerical evaluation of surface Non-Destructive Testing methods for embedded timber poles in service. Main objective of the study is to investigate the influence of factors such as different boundary conditions, geotechnical conditions and material defects and imperfections of embedded timber poles, on reliability and accuracy of the prediction or evaluation using surface NDT. Firstly, the numerical evaluation of a free-end timber pole without embedmentwas conducted to gain an understanding of the behaviour of stress waves in timber poles in relation to selected surface NDT methods. Then the embedded timber poles are modelled to include effects of geotechnical conditions as in-service poles. Two types of typical decay patterns are simulated to study the effect of defect/damage on the Non-Destructive Testing results. Finally, the numerical results are compared with field test results obtained from field testing in Victoria. © 2011 Taylor & Francis Group, London.
Zhao, L, Huang, S, Yan, L, Wang, JJ, Hu, G, Dissanayake, G & IEEE 1970, 'Large-Scale Monocular SLAM by Local Bundle Adjustment and Map Joining', 11TH INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON CONTROL, AUTOMATION, ROBOTICS AND VISION (ICARCV 2010), IEEE, Singapore, pp. 431-436.
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This paper first demonstrates an interesting property of bundle adjustment (BA), 'scale drift correction'. Here 'scale drift correction' means that BA can converge to the correct solution (up to a scale) even if the initial values of the camera pose translations and point feature positions are calculated using very different scale factors. This property together with other properties of BA makes it the best approach for monocular Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM), without considering the computational complexity. This naturally leads to the idea of using local BA and map joining to solve large-scale monocular SLAM problem, which is proposed in this paper. The local maps are built through Scale-Invariant Feature Transform (SIFT) for feature detection and matching, random sample consensus (RANSAC) paradigm at different levels for robust outlier removal, and BA for optimization. To reduce the computational cost of the large-scale map building, the features in each local map are judiciously selected and then the local maps are combined using a recently developed 3D map joining algorithm. The proposed large-scale monocular SLAM algorithm is evaluated using a publicly available dataset with centimeter-level ground truth. ©2010 IEEE.
Zhu, R-Q, Li, Y-C, Ni, Y-Y & Zhang, P-T 1970, 'NUMERICAL SIMULATION OF THE INTERACTION BETWEEN TWO BUBBLES RISING IN THE WATER', PROCEEDINGS OF THE ASME 29TH INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON OCEAN, OFFSHORE AND ARCTIC ENGINEERING, 2010, VOL 6, 29th ASME International Conference on Ocean, Offshore and Arctic Engineering, AMER SOC MECHANICAL ENGINEERS, PEOPLES R CHINA, Shanghai, pp. 955-960.
Zhu, X-Q & Xiang, Y 1970, 'VIBRATION ANALYSIS OF UNDERSEA PIPELINES WITH ARBITRARY BEDDING CONDITIONS', PROCEEDINGS OF THE ELEVENTH INTERNATIONAL SYMPOSIUM ON STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING, VOL I AND II, 11th International Symposium on Structural Engineering, SCIENCE PRESS BEIJING, Guangzhou, PEOPLES R CHINA, pp. 1095-1099.
