Sustainable and Nonconventional Construction Materials Using Inorganic Bonded Fiber Composites presents a concise overview of non-conventional construction materials with a strong focus on alternative inorganic bonded fiber composites and their applications as construction components. It outlines the processing and characterization of non-conventional cementitious composites, which will be of great benefit to both academic and industrial professionals interested in research, development, and innovation on inorganic bonded fiber composites. The book gives a comprehensive review of the innovative research associated with building components based on inorganic bonded composites. Exploring both natural fibers as reinforcing elements and alternative inorganic binders based on agricultural and industrial wastes, this book also considers the performance and applications of fibrous composites as construction materials and components.

This thesis describes novel devices for the secure identification of objects or electronic systems. The identification relies on the the atomic-scale uniqueness of semiconductor devices by measuring a macroscopic quantum property of the system in question. Traditionally, objects and electronic systems have been securely identified by measuring specific characteristics: common examples include passwords, fingerprints used to identify a person or an electronic device, and holograms that can tag a given object to prove its authenticity. Unfortunately, modern technologies also make it possible to circumvent these everyday techniques. Variations in quantum properties are amplified by the existence of atomic-scale imperfections. As such, these devices are the hardest possible systems to clone. They also use the least resources and provide robust security. Hence they have tremendous potential significance as a means of reliably telling the good guys from the bad.

This textbook describes the design of reinforced and prestressed concrete structures according to the latest advances both in the field of materials, concrete and steel, and in the field of structural analysis. These advances have been included in current version of Eurocode 2, which is taken as reference. All subjects are presented starting from their theoretical bases and passing to corresponding EC2 formulations. A large part of the book is concerned with the most innovative EC2 parts, like nonlinear structural analyses, second-order effects, punching and strut-and-tie models. The textbook is equipped with numerous worked examples, useful for the reader who is not familiar with the design of reinforced and prestressed concrete structures by the Limit State Method. Examples have been chosen among the most frequent cases of the professional practice. Thanks to this structure, it can be of interest both to structural designers for their professional training and to students of engineering and architecture schools for their studies. The volume contains twelve chapters, which follow the same structure of EC2, except for chapter 6 (dealing with prestressed concrete structures), which does not match any chapter of EC2, as prestressed concrete is considered in EC2 as a particular case of reinforced concrete, and corresponding formulations are shed over different chapters.

Wood material has acquired great importance due to its short supply and increasing environmental awareness amongst users and manufacturers. However, its use as an engineering material requires consistent research developments in order to provide accurate responses to industrial processing problems. Research Developments in Wood Engineering and Technology examines the latest research advances and technological developments for wood material as an engineering product and the innovation it provides for environmentally-friendly materials. This reference source is essential for academics, engineers, students, and professionals involved in the multidisciplinary fields of wood science, mechanical, industrial, and manufacturing engineering.

This volume contains the Proceedings of the RILEM TC 252-CMB International Symposium on the Chemo-Mechanical Characterization of Bituminous Materials. The Symposium was attended by researchers and practitioners from different fields presenting the latest findings in the chemical, mechanical, and microstructural characterization of bituminous materials. The book offers new and cutting edge papers on innovative techniques for the characterization of bituminous materials, gaining new insights into current issues such as effects of aging, moisture, and temperature.

These proceedings of the EPS 2018: 5th International Conference on Geofoam Blocks in Construction Applications, held in Kyrenia, Northern Cyprus on May 9 to 11, 2018, present a collection of contributions on the state-of-the-art of research and applications relating to geofoam. Geofoam researchers, consultants, molders, contractors and practitioners from all around the globe discuss the recent developments and future trends of expanded polystyrene (EPS)-block geofoam technology and its construction applications. EPS'18 contributes to the development of geofoam applications, following on from successful conferences in Oslo (1985), Tokyo (1996), Salt Lake City (2001) and Oslo (2011). The book discusses topics including, but not limited to, current use of geofoam, design specifications, applications, new concepts, material properties, modeling and specific topics in geofoam blocks in construction applications.

The need for clean air has probably never been greater. Many industrial employees need to avoid exposure to airborne particulates, while certain industrial processes demand clean air of exceptional quality. Medical and biological fields rely on sterile air, while filtration can improve air quality in offices, homes and all types of transport. Filters act in a variety of complex and subtle ways. Each chapter introduces its subject matter simply, before tackling the problem in greater depth. The book therefore provides an excellent basis for detailed study, but is also invaluable to anyone needing an overview of the subject. Essential reading for industrial hygienists and engineers requiring an understanding of filtration, and for anyone whose work involves the maintenance or monitoring of air quality.

This book presents essential methods of deformation compatibility control, and explicitly addresses the implied conditions on the methods' deformation compatibility. Consequently, these conditions can be considered in engineering structure design, while the conditions on stable equilibrium can be taken into account in the design method. Thus, the designed deformation and the actual deformation of the respective structure are approximately identical, guaranteeing both the flexibility of the construction material in force transmission and the equilibrium of force in the structure. Though equilibrium theory in engineering structures has been extensively studied, there has been comparatively little research on compatibility. In the limited researches available, the topics are primarily the theories and assumptions on the deformation compatibility, while few systematic works focus on the mechanical theoretical principles and methods of deformation compatibility control. As such, the flexibility of the construction material in force transmission and the stable equilibrium of the structure as a whole cannot be guaranteed based on these research results. Successfully addressing this important gap in the literature, the book is intended for researchers and postgraduates in engineering mechanics, civil engineering and related areas.

The book presents eight well-known and often used algorithms besides nine newly developed algorithms by the first author and his students in a practical implementation framework. Matlab codes and some benchmark structural optimization problems are provided. The aim is to provide an efficient context for experienced researchers or readers not familiar with theory, applications and computational developments of the considered metaheuristics. The information will also be of interest to readers interested in application of metaheuristics for hard optimization, comparing conceptually different metaheuristics and designing new metaheuristics.

This book details the rigorous requirements for refractories designed for aluminium metallurgical processes: reduction, cast house, and anode production. The author describes requirements specific to the properties and structure of refractory materials that differentiate it from materials used for ferrous metallurgy, among others. A comparison is drawn between the properties and structure of refractories and carbon cathode materials from different points of view: from the perspective of physical chemistry and chemical interactions during the metallurgical process and from the aspect of designing reduction pots and furnaces to accommodate the lifetime of metallurgical aggregates that are a part of aluminum refractory processes.

This book is a plea for a sympathetic approach to the conservation and repair of traditional stone buildings. These beautiful buildings are in danger of disappearing from the landscape because they are not yet properly understood. Here is a book about saving them by applying traditional techniques in a sympathetic manner, using materials and methods that are in harmony with their nature. Patrick McAfee, a stone-mason, conservation consultant and author of the bestselling Irish Stone Walls, shows how traditional stone buildings were originally constructed; he outlines the traditional techniques, tells how the stone was worked and details the proper methods of repair and maintenance. As well as dealing with stone, the book also covers lime mortars and other traditional finishes. Includes a survey of stone buildings world-wide. Much of the information is practical, hands-on, and intended for the enthusiastic householder as well as the more experienced builder, with step-by-step instructions from an acknowledged expert.

This book presents a selection of the best papers from the HEaRT 2015 conference, held in Lisbon, Portugal, which provided a valuable forum for engineers and architects, researchers and educators to exchange views and findings concerning the technological history, construction features and seismic behavior of historical timber-framed walls in the Mediterranean countries. The topics covered are wide ranging and include historical aspects and examples of the use of timber-framed construction systems in response to earthquakes, such as the gaiola system in Portugal and the Bourbon system in southern Italy; interpretation of the response of timber-framed walls to seismic actions based on calculations and experimental tests; assessment of the effectiveness of repair and strengthening techniques, e.g., using aramid fiber wires or sheets; and modelling analyses. In addition, on the basis of case studies, a methodology is presented that is applicable to diagnosis, strengthening and improvement of seismic performance and is compatible with modern theoretical principles and conservation criteria. It is hoped that, by contributing to the knowledge of this construction technique, the book will help to promote conservation of this important component of Europe's architectural heritage.

Discusses the Bureau of Reclamation's methodology for concrete repair. Addresses the more common causes of damage to concrete. Identifies the methods and materials most successful in repairing concrete damage.

This book gathers the peer-reviewed contributions presented at two parallel, closely interconnected events on advanced construction materials and processes, namely the 2nd International RILEM Conference on Rheology and Processing of Construction Materials (RheoCon2) and the 9th International RILEM Symposium on Self-Compacting Concrete (SCC9), held in Dresden, Germany on 8-11 September 2019. The papers discuss various aspects of research on the development, testing, and applications of cement-based and other building materials together with their specific rheological properties. Furthermore, the papers cover the latest findings in the fast-growing field of self-compacting concrete, addressing topics including components' properties and characterization; chemical admixtures, effect of binders (incl. geopolymers, calcined clay, etc.) and mixture design; laboratory and in-situ rheological testing; constitutive models and flow modelling; numerical simulations; mixing, processing and casting processes; and additive manufacturing / 3D-printing. Also presenting case studies, the book is of interest to researchers, graduate students, and industry specialists, such as material suppliers, consultants and construction experts.

This volume shines a new light on short fibre reinfoced cementitious composites and particle reinforced ceramics. It offers insight from various disciplines like civil engineering, material sciences and micro-mechanics, and collects 9 experimental, numerical and theoretical studies written by top researchers in composite concrete science. The book presents the outcome of the EUROMECH 582 colloquium "Short Fibre Reinfoced Cementitious Composites and Ceramics" held 20 - 22 March 2017, Tallinn, Estonia.

The preservation of heritage architecture is a cultural objective rigorously pursued by communities and nations wishing to promote their history, civilisation and aesthetic achievements. Structures built in the remote past by traditional methods have suffered the consequences of extreme loading events, such as earthquakes, over long time periods. Retrofitting is an approach based on recent technological developments and scientific knowledge, whereby modern construction methods and materials are applied to the repair and strengthening of historical structures. This book aims to inform on current retrofitting techniques, their application to various types of historical architecture and their effectiveness to fulfil their purpose. Retrofitted structural forms covered in the book vary widely from age old places of worship, such as churches, mosques and temples, as well as castles and palaces to more modern, distinguished private residences or public buildings, some of them designed by well known architects. Their methods of construction range from traditional, such as stone or brick masonry to more recent textile block systems and even reinforced concrete frameworks.Reference is made to detailed visual inspections of damaged structure providing valuable insight into possible causes of failure; such inspections are usually combined with material characterisation which is an essential input to numerical modelling for assessing the behaviour of the structure before and after retrofitting. The book describes strengthening techniques for masonry walls including re-pointing, injection grouting and the use of steel ties. The use of reinforced concrete is proposed in the form of cast-in-place walls, jackets or tie-beams; that of carbon fibre reinforced laminates for strengthening walls and slabs. Innovative use of materials, such as shape memory alloys, self-compacting concrete or thin lead layers is also suggested. Particular attention is given to methods for moderating the consequences of destructive earthquakes. Seismic energy absorbing devices and base isolation systems are two effective means of providing protection against future seismic events although their application is often met with many technical challenges in practice.Retrofitting of Heritage Structures: Design and evaluation of strengthening techniques will be of interest to members of academic institutions, government or private cultural preservation establishments and specialist consultant engineers. The book contains very practical, technical advice on many issues; this would be of considerable interest to construction companies specialising in repairs and maintenance of historical structures.

This book addresses the challenge of reforming defense and military policy-making in newly democratized nations. By tracing the development of civil-military relations in various new democracies from a comparative perspective, it links two bodies of scholarship that thus far have remained largely separate: the study of emerging (or failed) civilian control over armed forces on the one hand; and work on the roots and causes of military effectiveness to guarantee the protection and security of citizens on the other. The empirical and theoretical findings presented here will appeal to scholars of civil-military relations, democratization and security issues, as well as to defense policy-makers.

How to Read Buildings is a practical introduction to looking at and appreciating architecture. It is a guide to reading the historical and architectural clues that are embedded in every building. Small enough to carry in your pocket and serious enough to provide real answers, this comprehensive guide: - Explores key characteristics of structures dating from every period from the ancient Greeks to the present day. - Gives expert advice on how to identify any building and put it in historical context. - Provides an accessible visual guide, using detailed engravings and text, to architectural styles and structural elements.

The natural disasters are the killer agents which can/can't be predicted even though we have modern technology. Every year, in one place or another, disasters striking which is devastating the area and surroundings, leading to ecological disruption besides huge loss of life and property. India is vulnerable to cyclones, landslides/avalanches, earthquakes, floods, droughts, forest fires, epidemics, etc. The 5700-km long coast of India, with its dense population is vulnerable to cyclones/low depressions, tsunamis, etc. The 2400-km long rugged Himalayan terrain is vulnerable to landslides, avalanches and earthquakes. India is not only vulnerable to natural disasters, it is also experiencing industrial accidents. The Bhopal Gas tragedy is one of the major man-made disasters in the world. The state of Andhra Pradesh has 970-km long coastline with two major rivers, etc. The conference is conducted in Visakhapatnam, is famous for industries and tourism. Recently, several industrial accidents took place, besides major natural disasters like Hud-Hud, etc. Disaster management shall be implemented from the grass root level in vulnerable areas to improve the capacity building, so as to minimize the losses. The capacity building coupled with technology results in reduction of loss of life and property.