Roundabouts have become one of the most significant traffic control measures because they are generally statistically safer and more efficient than traditional at grade intersections. This book is dedicated to the evaluation of the operating conditions of roundabouts. In five parts, it thoroughly illustrates the calculation of the capacity, including reliability, and waiting phenomena parameters, such as the times spent in the system and queue lengths. Fully worked examples are included throughout the chapters, with detailed explanations.

In recent years, building information modeling has become a very active research area of construction informatics with investigation of ICT use within construction industry processes and organizations. The Handbook of Research on Building Information Modeling and Construction Informatics: Concepts and Technologies addresses the problems related to information integration and interoperability throughout the lifecycle of a building, from feasibility and conceptual design through to demolition and recycling stages. Containing research from leading international experts, this Handbook of Research provides comprehensive coverage and definitions of the most important issues, concepts, trends, and technologies within the field.

The last decades have witnessed the development of methods for solving struc tural reliability problems, which emerged from the efforts of numerous re searchers all over the world. For the specific and most common problem of determining the probability of failure of a structural system in which the limit state function g( x) = 0 is only implicitly known, the proposed methods can be grouped into two main categories: * Methods based on the Taylor expansion of the performance function g(x) about the most likely failure point (the design point), which is determined in the solution process. These methods are known as FORM and SORM (First- and Second Order Reliability Methods, respectively). * Monte Carlo methods, which require repeated calls of the numerical (nor mally finite element) solver of the structural model using a random real ization of the basic variable set x each time. In the first category of methods only SORM can be considered of a wide applicability. However, it requires the knowledge of the first and second deriva tives of the performance function, whose calculation in several dimensions either implies a high computational effort when faced with finite difference techniques or special programs when using perturbation techniques, which nevertheless require the use of large matrices in their computations. In or der to simplify this task, use has been proposed of techniques that can be regarded as variants of the Response Surface Method.

Contaminated sediments pose some of the most difficult site remediation issues. Contaminated sediments typically reside in spatially variable and dynamic systems subject to seasonal flow variations and episodic storm events. The volume of sediments that must be managed at particular sites often exceeds one million cubic meters, dwarfing many contaminated soil sites. These sediments are also associated with equally daunting volumes of water and efforts to remove the contamination typically entrains even more water. The environmental security of both NATO and partner countries is at risk due to the pervasive nature of sediment contamination of rivers, lakes and harbors. A NATO Advanced Research Workshop was convened in Bratislava in May 2005 to discuss current approaches to managing contaminated sediments and to identify research necessary to overcome outstanding problems.

In this text, drawn from presentations and discussion of that workshop, current approaches to the assessment and remediation of contaminated sediments will be discussed with the emphasis on in-situ management. Physical, chemical and biological approaches for the assessment and remediation of sediments are all addressed. Developing regulatory and strategic approaches are highlighted with a special emphasis on the potential for biological remediation for the management of contaminated sediments.

This book reports on the first empirical validation of "AccuRate," Australia's national benchmark software tool for house energy ratings. The validation was conducted by the University of Tasmania in collaboration with Forest and Wood Products Australia, the Australian Government, the CSIRO and industry partners. The study presented here describes the results of graphical and statistical analysis of variations observed between the measured and simulated data from three different test buildings in Launceston, Tasmania. It shows that, while the AccuRate software is well suited to modeling energy flows, there are discrepancies between the simulated and measured temperatures of the test buildings. Moreover, it highlights possible connections between the discrepancies in all zones and the outside air temperature, wind speed, global and diffuse solar radiation, and possibly the ground model. Beyond its contribution to further investigations into the ongoing improvement and calibration of the Australian NatHERS-supported AccuRate software, this book also meticulously describes the methodology used in conducting the research, which is expected to pave the way for further studies of this type.

Engineers are always interested in the worst-case scenario. One of the most important and challenging missions of structural engineers may be to narrow the range of unexpected incidents in building structural design. Redundancy, robustness and resilience play an important role in such circumstances. "Improving the Earthquake Resilience of Buildings: The worst case approach" discusses the importance of worst-scenario approach for improved earthquake resilience of buildings and nuclear reactor facilities.

"Improving the Earthquake Resilience of Buildings: The worst case approach" consists of two parts. The first part deals with the characterization and modeling of worst or critical ground motions on inelastic structures and the related worst-case scenario in the structural design of ordinary simple building structures. The second part of the book focuses on investigating the worst-case scenario for passively controlled and base-isolated buildings. This allows for detailed consideration of a range of topics including:

A consideration of damage of building structures in the critical excitation method for improved building-earthquake resilience,

A consideration of uncertainties of structural parameters in structural control and base-isolation for improved building-earthquake resilience, and

New insights in structural design of super high-rise buildings under long-period ground motions.

"Improving the Earthquake Resilience of Buildings: The worst case approach" is a valuable resource for researchers and engineers interested in learning and applying the worst-case scenario approach in the seismic-resistant design for more resilient structures.

This book presents all aspects of situational awareness using acoustic signals. It starts by presenting the science behind understanding and interpretation of sound signals. The book then goes on to provide various signal processing techniques used in acoustics to find the direction of sound source, localize gunfire, track vehicles and detect people. The necessary mathematical background and various classification and fusion techniques are presented. The book contains majority of the things one would need to process acoustic signals for all aspects of situational awareness in one location. The book also presents array theory, which is pivotal in finding the direction of arrival of acoustic signals. In addition, the book presents techniques to fuse the information from multiple homogeneous/heterogeneous sensors for better detection. MATLAB code is provided for majority of the real application, which is a valuable resource in not only understanding the theory but readers can also use the code as a spring-board to develop their own application based software code.

Civil infrastructure systems are generally the most expensive assets in any country, and these systems are deteriorating at an alarming rate. In addition, these systems have a long service life in comparison to most other commercial products. As well, the introduction of intelligent materials and innovative design approaches in these systems is painfully slow due to heavy relianceon traditional construction and maintenance practices, and the conservative nature of design codes. Feedback on the "state of the health" of constructed systems is practically nonexistent. In the quest for lighter, stronger and corrosion-resistant structures, the replacement of ferrous materials by high-strength fibrous ones is being actively pursued in several countries around the world, both with respect to the design of new structures as well as for the rehabilitation and strengthening of existing ones. In North America, active research in the design of new highway bridges is focused on a number of specialty areas, including the replacement of steel reinforcing bars in concrete deck slabs by randomly distributed low-modulus fibers, and the replacement of steel prestressing cables for concrete components by tendons comprising super-strong fibers. Research is also being conducted on using FRPs to repair and strengthen existing structures.

Information is always required by organizations of coastal states about the movements, identities and intentions of vessels sailing in the waters of interest to them, which may be coastal waters, straits, inland waterways, rivers, lakes or open seas. This interest may stem from defense requirements or from needs for the protection of off-shore resources, enhanced search and rescue services, deterrence of smuggling, drug trafficking and other illegal activities and/or for providing vessel traffic services for safe and efficient navigation and protection of the environment. To meet these needs it is necessary to have a well designed maritime surveillance and control system capable of tracking ships and providing other types of information required by a variety of user groups ranging from port authorities, shipping companies, marine exchanges to governments and the military. Principles of Integrated Maritime Surveillance Systems will be of vital interest to anyone responsible for the design, implementation or provision of a well designed maritime surveillance and control system capable of tracking ships and providing navigational and other types of information required for safe navigation and efficient commercial operation. Principles of Integrated Maritime Surveillance Systems is therefore essential to a variety of user groups ranging from port authorities to shipping companies and marine exchanges as well as civil governments and the military.

The seven chapters in Part 1, of this volume, focus on the foundations of global leadership. Together, these chapters explore a broad selection of the social and psychological processes underlying effective global leadership. These authors expand ideas currently in use, and they introduce new ideas for our consideration. The seven papers in Part 2 focus on the practice of global leadership. Compared to those in Part 1, these chapters focus more on practical solutions to the problems that leaders face than the analysis of fundamental processes, although this distinction is one of degree. All the authors in Part 1 explore the practical implications of their ideas, and those in Part 2 contribute to the development of fundamental concepts. It provides analysis on the foundation of global leadership principles. It discusses practical solutions to the problems faced by today's global leaders. It offers an international representation.

Synergistic integration of smart materials, structures, sensors, actuators and control electronics has redefined the concept of"structures" from a conventional passive elastic system to an active controllable structronic (structure +electronic) system with inherent self-sensing, diagnosis, and control capabilities. Such structronic systems can be used as components of high performance systems or can be an integrated structure itself performing designated functions and tasks. Due to the multidisciplinary nature of structronic systems their development has attracted researchers and scientists from theoretical and applied mechanics and many other disciplines, such as structures, materials, control, electronics, computers, mathematics, manufacturing, electromechanics, etc., see Figure I. This field was first introduced about mid-80 and it is quickly becoming a new emerging field recognized as one ofthe key technologies of 51 the 21 century. This new field focuses on not only multi-field and multi-discipline integrations, but has also enormous practical applications impacting many industries and enriching human living qualities. Structures (Systemill, Monitoring. . . ) (Non-homogeneous & Incompatible Structures) Electromechanics I StrucTranics I (SmartStructures) ___. I Mechanics (Solid, (Intelligent Structural Systems) Fracture, Fatigue. . . ) DynamicslKinematics & Vibration Figure I Multi-disciplinary integration ofstructronic systems. To reflect the rapid development in smart structures and structronic systems, the objective of the IUTAM 2000 Symposium on Smart Structures and Structronic Systems, the first IUTAM symposium in this new emerging area, is to provide a forum to discuss recent research advances and future directions or trends in this field.

A growing proportion of the world's population is dependent on Seawater Desalination as a source of fresh water for both potable and civil use. One of the main drawbacks of conventional desalination technologies is the substantial energy requirement, which is facing cost increases in the global energy market. "Seawater Desalination" presents an overview of conventional and non-conventional technologies, with a particular focus on the coupling of renewable energies with desalination processes.

The first section of this book presents, in a technical but reader-friendly way, an overview of currently-used desalination processes, from thermal to membrane processes, highlighting the relevant technical features, advantages and disadvantages, and development potential. It also gives a rapid insight into the economic aspects of fresh water production from seawater.

The second section of the book presents novel processes which use Renewable Energies for fresh water production. From the first solar still evaporators, which artificially reproduced the natural cycle of water, technology has progressed to develop complex systems to harness energy from the sun, wind, tides, waves, etc. and then to use this energy to power conventional or novel desalination processes. Most of these processes are still at a preliminary stage of development, but some are already being cited as examples in remote areas, where they are proving to be valuable in solving the problems of water scarcity.

A rapid growth in these technologies is foreseen in the coming years. This book provides a unique foundation, within the context of present and future sustainability, for professionals, technicians, managers, and private and public institutions operating in the area of fresh water supply.

In determining the response of offshore structures, it is of utmost importance to determine, in the most correct manner, all factors which contribute to the total force acting on these structures. Applying the Morison formula (Morison et. al. , 1950) to calculate forces on offshore slender structures, uncertainties related to the understanding of the wave climate, the hydrodynamic force coefficients and the kinematics of ocean waves represent the most important contributions to the uncertainties in the prediction of the total forces on these structures (Haver and Gudmestad, 1992). Traditional calculation of forces on offshore structures involves the use of regular waves with the following non-linearities inco1porated use of regular wave theories inco1porating higher order terms use of Morison equation having a nonlinear drag term inclusion of the effect of the free surface by integrating all contributions to total forces and moments from the sea floor to the free surface of the waves In order to describe the sea more realistically, the ocean surface is to be described as an irregular sea surface represented by its energy spectrum. The associated decomposition of the sea surface is given as a linear sum of linear waves. The total force is found by integrating the contribution from all components in the wave spectrum to the free surface. The kinematics of each component must therefore be determined.

This is the first book to integrate the theory, design, and stability analysis of plates and shells in one comprehensive volume. With authoritative accounts of diverse aspects of plates and shells, this volume facilitates the study and design of structures that incorporate both plate and shell components. Drawing on his extensive experience in plate and shell theory and design, the author introduces the principles and applications of bending of plates; membrane theory and bending of shells; and stability of plates and shells... explains the crucial elements of roof structure analysis and finite element formulations... explores topics of current interest, such as plastic design of plates and approximate solution of membrane stress in shells of revolution and in buckling of shells... and describes how to select design approaches according to the functional and safety requirements of specific structures. Each chapter demonstrates the principles, practical applications, and design of a plate or shell component using real-life examples, providing the reader with an in-depth, unified understanding of the theory and function of the component. Chapters are written to be as independent of each other as possible, to allow for selective reading on either plates or shells. In addition, the text is conveniently supplemented by appendices of Fourier Series and Bessel Functions. Integrating the fundamental and applied aspects of plate and shell theory, this volume serves as an essential text for graduate students and an easy-to-use reference for engineers in mechanical, civil, and aeronautical engineering.

The book focuses on the use of inelastic analysis methods for the seismic assessment and design of bridges, for which the work carried out so far, albeit interesting and useful, is nevertheless clearly less than that for buildings. Although some valuable literature on the subject is currently available, the most advanced inelastic analysis methods that emerged during the last decade are currently found only in the specialised research-oriented literature, such as technical journals and conference proceedings. Hence the key objective of this book is two-fold, first to present all important methods belonging to the aforementioned category in a uniform and sufficient for their understanding and implementation length, and to provide also a critical perspective on them by including selected case-studies wherein more than one methods are applied to a specific bridge and by offering some critical comments on the limitations of the individual methods and on their relative efficiency. The book should be a valuable tool for both researchers and practicing engineers dealing with seismic design and assessment of bridges, by both making the methods and the analytical tools available for their implementation, and by assisting them to select the method that best suits the individual bridge projects that each engineer and/or researcher faces.

Ensure your learners have the knowledge and skills to start a successful career in the construction industry, with this comprehensive new textbook published in association with City & Guilds for the legacy 6706, new 7906 and new Apprenticeship standard. This brand new title will help students: - Study with confidence, using the most up-to-date information available for all specifications and industry standards - Enhance their understanding of concepts and techniques with clear and accurate technical drawings and step-by-step photo sequences - Test their knowledge with end of chapter practice questions - Get ready for the workplace with industry tips and activities - Develop core skills with authors Stephen Jones and Stephen Redfern, who draw on their extensive teaching and industry experience

A thoroughly accessible and engaging workbook-style text, ideal for all NVQ students, including Foundation Modern Apprentices. Mechanical Engineering: Level 2 NVQ is a practical and interactive engineering book, written by practicing lecturers and designed for college students and Foundation Modern Apprentices. A highly readable text is supported by numerous assignments provided to build up a portfolio of evidence. Designed so that students can complete the blanks this book can be used as evidence for assessment purposes and as an essential reference guide for their subsequent employment.

This book covers the mandatory units (1-3), general support units (4-5) and option units (10-12) required to deliver a full NVQ programme. Key Skills activities are also provided at the relevant points through the book.

Mechanical Engineering: NVQ2 is a new single-volume text for the new Performing Engineering Operations NVQs from EMTA and City & Guilds updated and expanded from David Salmon's popular NVQ titles:

NVQ Engineering Manufacture: Mandatory Units

NVQ Engineering: Mechanical Option Units

Table of Contents

Preface; Chapter/unit references; Introduction for candidates; Introduction for trainers; Working safely in an engineering environment; Developing yourself and working with other people on engineering activities; Communicating using engineering drawings; Communicating technical information in the workplace; Identifying and selecting engineering materials; Checking workpieces for accuracy; Marking out for engineering activities; Fitting using hand skills; Machining engineering materials by turning; Machining engineering materials by milling; Using computer software packages to assist with engineering activities; Problem solving; Appendices; Index

The only pocket guide to the UK building regulations on the market Succinct, portable, reliable guide to UK Building regulations Essential for anyone involved in building works or renovations in the UK

Structural Synthesis in Precision Elasticity reflects the summary of theoretical and experimental studies whose conclusions are effective for optimized structural synthesis in precision elasticity, as well as demonstrate a large experience and options in the synthesis, production, application of precision elastic guides, mechanisms, correctors, transducers, instruments and machines. The main focus of this book is in the possible simplification of the corresponding analytical apparatus by using kinematical equivalents, matrix methods, appropriate contours, and function expansion with enough accurate minimal polynomials. This approach allows for substitution of some known unwieldy formulae and methods that are not convenient for digestible and tractable synthesis. The book consists of two main parts: the elastic systems functional analysis and structural synthesis methods, including effective approximations and references to the history of their development; and, the application and development of prevision functional elastic systems at reference and operating conditions, including the observation of archives with effective synthesized structures. recommendations. This book gives theoretical and practical tools to researchers, precision machines, instruments and miniature systems designers, engineers, metrologists, and engineering students. Despite that this book is dedicated to the general problems of the structural synthesis in precision elasticity, most of the practical examples and applications are concerned with the measuring systems as the precision is their main goal.The author intends to show close connection between the elastic precision structures developed during the 20th century, and even before and the new elastic systems for atomic for microscopy and other recently created advanced structures in precision elasticity.

This timely volume presents a range of critical topics on the use of composite materials in civil engineering; industrial, commercial, and residential structures; and historic buildings. Structural strengthening techniques based on composite materials, including, but not limited to, fiber-reinforced polymers, fiber-reinforced glasses, steel-reinforced polymers, and steel-reinforced glasses represent a practice employed internationally and have become an important component in the restoration of buildings impacted by natural hazards and other destructive forces. "New Composite Materials: Selection, Design, and Application" stands as a highly relevant and diverse effort, distinct from other technical publications dealing with building issues. The book focuses extensively on characterization of techniques employed for structural restoration and examines in detail an assortment of materials such as concrete, wood, masonry, and steel.