Anthropogenic climate change may lead to intensification of the global hydrological cysle and to increased flooding risk of rivers across Europe. A series of extreme floods in European rivers in the last decades have stimulated discussions about the possible effects of climate variability/change and human interventions in river basins. A synoptic-climatological analysis was carried out to elucidate the observed precipitation change in the Meuse basin, in northwestern Europe. The findings of this research will be valuable to those developing improved flood protection strategies, as well as those engaged in water resource management in river basins similar to the Meuse.

Historically, economic crises have triggered the global policy of transferring the management of irrigation systems to water users associations. The impact of these transfers has been very complex and recent studies have shown that the outcomes vary from region to region, and are diverse even within a single country. The present study looks at 16 irrigation ditches in Colombia, where management was transferred from the Colombian government to water users associations. Some examples show an improvement in organizational stability, following the transfer of management, while others demonstrate a deterioration. A conceptual framework is presented, for the establishment of a sustainable management policy, based on an inter-relationship between the community, the environment and science and technology. For an effective implementation of the framework, the role of government, water users associations and farmers are considered to be the key elements, and it is believed that an effective integration of these players contributes to successful and sustainable management. The water users organization needs to follow an integral and participatory management approach, enlarging its span of action beyond mere operation activities, into the area of improvement of the standard of living of farmers. Encouraging the adoption of irrigated agriculture under criteria of sustainability, profitability, competitiveness, equity and multi-functionality is the way forward. The RUT Irrigation District is one of the most progressive irrigation districts in Colombia, and it is here that the conceptual framework has been intensively analyzed and evaluated.

Water transmission and distribution systems are pressurized hydraulic networks, consisting of pipes and other appurtenant components such as reservoirs, pumps, valves and surge devices. Analysis, design and flow control problems in such systems can best be dealt with using network synthesis. This approach aims to directly determine design variables in order to achieve a specified behaviour of the system under steady state or transient flow conditions. There are enormous advantages to be achieved in applying such a model to a wide variety of problems in engineering practice. The innovative theoretical framework described in this thesis, incorporates necessary and sufficient conditions for solvability, as well as methods/algorithms for the efficient solution of network problems.

This book is a comprehensive design guide summarising current best practice for the design of concrete pavements. Following an overview of the theory involved, the author details optimum design techniques and best practice, with a focus on highway and infrastructure projects.
Worked examples and calculations are provided to describe standard design methods, illustrated with numerous case studies. The author provides guidance on how to use each method on particular projects, with reference to UK, European and US standards and codes of practice.
Concrete Pavement Design: Guidance Notes is an essential handbook for civil engineers, consultants and contractors involved in the design and construction of concrete pavements. It will also be of interest to students of pavement design.

Tunnels have a high degree of risk that needs to be assessed and managed. Underground works intersect and interact with natural materials, incorporating their characteristics as structural components of their own stability. For this reason geotechnical risk analyses are implemented at all phases of tunnel construction, from design through to post-construction maintenance. Analysis of geotechnical risk involves a group of studies which lead to the identification and evaluation of the potential probability of error and the consequences of its occurrence. This volume considers construction and safety, financing and control, and exploration and maintenance. Eminent specialists discuss risk assessment and management, based both on advanced theoretical concepts and on practical experience. The book is of interest to a wide range of professionals involved in planning, construction and management of tunnels: entrepreneurs, designers, consultants and contractors.

Water resources stored by dams and reservoirs play an essential role in water resource management, hydropower and flood control. Where there is an extensive network of dam infrastructures, dams have made a major contribution to economic and social development, providing considerable storage capacity per capita. However, dams and reservoirs may also have an important social and environmental impact, and should be studied within the framework of integrated water resource management and sustainable development. Dams and Reservoirs, Societies and Environment in the 21st Century presents the latest research on the role played by dams and reservoirs in 21st century societies, in developed, emergent and developing countries. It analyses the viability of dams and suggests alternative solutions from a holistic perspective, considering the technical, economic, social and environmental aspects. Other issues covered include the social acceptability of dams, public involvement and dam awareness. The book covers subjects ranging from dam engineering, through the benefits and drawbacks of dams, to their social and environmental impact, and contains numerous case studies of the constructive contributions that reservoirs have made to water development and management. The book is a valuable resource for professional and dam engineers, water managers, governmental organizations and commercial enterprises responsible for dam development and management.

Cable-supported bridges are known for their visual elegance, aesthetic appeal and ability to link long spans. The extent of issues of concern associated with these structures is commensurate with their size and vast scale. Significant advances in the technology of assessment, design, construction and maintenance of cable-supported bridges have been achieved in the past few years, due to increasing awareness, collaboration and information exchange.This book contains selected papers on cable-supported bridges as presented at the 5th International Cable-Supported Bridge Operators' Conference, held in New York City on August 28-29, 2006. It includes papers by leading international bridge engineers. Presenting state-of-the-art material, the book is an authoritative account on the developments in the field, this volume forms essential reading to anyone working on cable-supported bridges. Advances in Cable-Supported Bridges

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This handbook provides an insight into the advancements in surface engineering methods, addressing the microstructural features, properties, mechanisms of surface degradation failures, and tribological performance of the components. Emphasis is on laser cladding methods because by using laser cladding a new class of materials like nano-composites, nano-tubes, and smart materials can be easily deposited. Handbook of Laser-Based Sustainable Surface Modification and Manufacturing Techniques discusses the main mechanism behind the surface degradation of structural components in strenuous environments. It highlights the capacity of laser cladding to operate on a wide range of substrate materials and shapes as well as presents how laser cladding can offer new possibilities in the reconditioning of components and how in many cases, these approaches are the only solution for economical efficiency. The handbook illustrates how if the type of power of the laser, laser optics, and the parameters of the process are efficiently selected, the number of applications of laser cladding can be large. The standard methods of testing used for various types of biomedical devices and tools, as well as the advantages of combining laser cladding with simultaneous induction heating, are described as well within this handbook. Features: Discusses the main mechanism behind the surface degradation of structural components in strenuous environments Highlights the capacity of laser cladding needed to operate on a wide range of substrate materials and shapes Presents how laser cladding can offer new possibilities in the reconditioning of components and how in many cases, these approaches are the only possible solution and are economically efficient Illustrates how if the type and power of the laser, laser optics, and the parameters of the process are efficiently selected, the number of applications of laser cladding can be large Offers the standard methods of testing used for various types of biomedical devices and tools Goes over the advantages of combining laser cladding with simultaneous induction heating The technical outcomes of these surface engineering methods are helpful for academics, students, and professionals who are working in this field as this enlightens their understanding of the performance of these latest processes. The audience is broad and multidisciplinary.

Provides insight into the application of applied ecology for bioremediation of radioactive wastes Discusses species selection criteria for tailings radioactivity consolidation Explains safe treatment of radioactive ore processing plants tailings Illustrates the role of ethnobotany in selection of most appropriate species to effectively use in bioremediation Focusses on experimental outcomes

This conference proceedings brings together the work of researchers and practising engineers concerned with computational modelling of complex concrete, reinforced concrete and prestressed concrete structures in engineering practice. The subjects considered include computational mechanics of concrete and other cementitious materials, including masonry. Advanced discretisation methods and microstructural aspects within multi-field and multi-scale settings are discussed, as well as modelling formulations and constitutive modelling frameworks and novel experimental programmes. The conference also considered the need for reliable, high-quality analysis and design of concrete structures in regard to safety-critical structures, with a view to adopting these in codes of practice or recommendations. The book is of special interest to researchers in computational mechanics, and industry experts in complex nonlinear simulations of concrete structures.

This book bridges the gap between risk assessment and fire safety engineering like few other resources. As all required knowledge for Probability and Statistics for Fire Engineering is included in the preliminary chapters, the book is suitable for teaching Fire Engineering components in a wide range of engineering courses for senior graduates and for postgraduate students of Fire Engineering. It will also serve as a comprehensive reference for professionals. This book describes the theory and the models involved in risk analysis, and includes case studies of multiple fire scenarios. Building fire safety and human behavioural responses to these scenarios show the benefits of risk-based fire safety design. It offers huge international appeal with case studies and examples from across the world. It applies probabilistic and stochastic models to fire initiation, fire growth, smoke spread and human behaviour.

This innovative Research Companion considers the history, nature and status of construction economics, and its need for development as a field in order to be recognised as a distinct discipline. It presents a state-of-the-art review of construction economics, identifying areas for further research. Contributors explore topics that have been under-discussed in the literature, including the philosophy of construction economics and its practice in classical antiquity. Chapters also offer new takes on the development of the construction industry, the economics of housing, construction labour and the economics of informatics applications. Comprehensive in outlook, the Research Companion goes on to provide in-depth analyses of procurement, bidding, stakeholder management, construction data, transaction costs and sustainability in construction. The Research Companion will be critical reading for scholars and students of construction economics, construction management, cost engineering, quantity surveying, urban economics and institutional economics. Its use of empirical research and exploration of the methods of analysis used in construction economics will also be beneficial for administrators of the construction industry and practitioners in these fields.

Lean Manufacturing concepts are being applied to a variety of industries. These concepts ensure streamlined processes through a systematic analysis of wastes and elimination, while enhancing value. This book offers fundamentals, theoretical concepts, case studies, and examples, along with insights for lean integration in Industry 4.0. The book offers a comprehensive coverage of topics in Lean Manufacturing which includes lean elements and tools, performance measures, project selection, integration, along with other related strategies. It ensures a balance between theory and practice of Lean Manufacturing by including the implementation aspects of lean tools. The book will explore insights for Industry 4.0 related to lean concepts and provide details on how they relate. Illustrations and examples depicting OEE (Overall Equipment Effectiveness) analysis and value stream map analysis are included. The book also provides case studies on Lean Manufacturing covering value stream mapping, project selection, and performance measurement. Lean Manufacturing: Fundamentals, Tools, Approaches, and Industry 4.0 Integration can be used as a reference for academic researchers and industry practitioners. Undergraduate and postgraduate students can use it for a course on Lean Manufacturing. Doctoral students can also refer to it for advanced concepts, and industry practitioners can use it for practical insights.

Although the use of composites has increased in many industrial, commercial, medical, and defense applications, there is a lack of technical literature that examines composites in conjunction with concrete construction. Fulfilling the need for a comprehensive, explicit guide, Reinforced Concrete Design with FRP Composites presents specific information necessary for designing concrete structures with fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) composites as a substitute for steel reinforcement and for using FRP fabrics to strengthen concrete members. In a reader-friendly, design-oriented manner, this book discusses the analysis, design, durability, and serviceability of concrete members reinforced with FRP. The authors first introduce the elements that constitute composites-the structural constituent and matrix-and discuss how composites are manufactured. Following an examination of the durability of FRP composites that contain fibers, such as glass, carbon, or aramid, the book illustrates how FRP external reinforcement systems (FRP-ER) can be used for enhancing the strength and stiffness of concrete structures using theory and design principles. The concluding chapter concentrates on serviceability aspects of concrete members internally reinforced with FRP. An excellent resource of design and construction practices, Reinforced Concrete Design with FRP Composites is a state-of-the-art reference on concrete members reinforced with FRP.

In Specifications for Building Conservation, the National Trust draws on a range of case studies and specifications to provide a much needed guide to specification writing for building conservation. Although traditional building accounts for approximately a quarter of all buildings in the UK, the old skills and understanding required for their care and maintenance have been increasingly eroded over the last century. As the largest heritage charity in Europe, the National Trust has a first class reputation for high standards of conservation and care, and in this three volume set, the Trust brings together a remarkable pool of expertise to guide conservation professionals and students through the process of successful specification writing. This first book focusses on the materials used for the external fabric, detailing successful approaches employed by the National Trust at some of their most culturally significant sites. A range of studies have been carefully selected for their interest, diversity and practicality; showcasing projects from stonework repairs on the magnificent Grade I listed Hardwick Hall to the re-thatching of the traditional cottages of the Holnicote Estate. Complete with a practical Conservation Management Plan checklist, this book will enable practitioners to develop their skills, allowing them to make informed decisions when working on a range of project types. This is the first practical guide to specification writing for building conservation and the advice provided by the National Trust experts will be of interest to any practitioners and students involved in building conservation, both in the UK and beyond. Profits generated from the sale of this publication will go to the National Trust Building Apprenticeship Scheme. This provides placements for traditional skills at National Trust properties.

The advantage of steel for long span bridges have been well established for some time. Its advantages for short and medium span bridges are also being seriously looked at now particularly form the standpoint of economy, durability, and ease in maintenance during service life. This book provides the reader with an overall perspective for design and construction of steel bridges, particular from considerations of economy, durability and ease of maintenance during service life. It highlights both theoretical as well as practical aspects which govern the process. Realistic illustrations of practical applications have been used throughout. Starting with a study of the evolution in the design of steel bridges and lessons learnt from some landmark bridge failures, the book discusses basic topics, such as design philosophies, characteristics of steel and loads, before dealing with the various structural arrangements commonly used in modern steel bridges and their selection strategies. Modern systems of connections are discussed at lenght. The book contains several chapters explaining important aspects of fabrication and erection, including methodologies for erection of common steel bridges. Durability, protection against corrosion and post-construction maintenance are discussed in detail. It is expected that the book will provide practical guidelines to students as well as engineers and designers in industry for achieving economy, durability and ease in maintenance.

This volume contains a collection of 122 papers, six reports on Symposium themes, two reports on special lectures and notes on the technical discussion sessions, presented at the Fifth International Symposium on Geotechnical Aspects of Underground Construction in Soft Ground held in Amsterdam (The Netherlands), 15-17 June 2005. The symposium was organized by the Technical Committee 28 Underground Construction in Soft Ground of the International Society for Soil Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering (ISSMGE). This is the latest in a series, which began in New Delhi in 1994 and was followed by symposia in London (1996), Tokyo (1999) and Toulouse (2002). The Amsterdam Symposium was sponsored by the Dutch Public Works Department (Rijkswaterstaat) and by various national and international companies.

This state of the art report from an international task group (TG44) of CIB, the International Council of Building Research Organizations, presents a highly authoritative guide to the application of innovative technologies on response control and seismic isolation of buildings to practice worldwide.

Many countries and cities are located in earthquake-prone areas making effective seismic design a major issue in structural engineering. Reassuringly, structural response control and seismic isolation have advanced remarkably in recent years following numerous studies internationally. Several major conferences have been held and reports have been written but little has been issued on the application of the technologies to good structural engineering practice.

Plugging that gap, Response Control and Seismic Isolation of Buildings presents researchers in structural engineering (dynamics) and construction management with up-to-date applications of the latest technologies.

It has become increasingly important, particularly in an urban environment, to predict soil behaviour and to confine the settlement or deformation of buildings adjacent to construction sites. One important factor is the choice of construction procedure for the installation of piles, sheet pile walls, anchors or for soil improvement techniques, ground freezing and tunnelling methods. The modelling of construction processes, which are frequently associated with large deformations of the soil and with strong changes in the structure of the soil around the construction plant, in the case of, for example, a drill, a bit, a vibrator, or an excavation tool, requires sophisticated and new methods in numerical modelling. Often the simulation of the construction procedure is neglected in the calculations. Such methods are described and discussed in this book, as are examples of the methods applied to geotechnical practice, field and laboratory testing as well as case studies. This volume provides a valuable source of reference for scientists in geotechnical engineering and numerical modelling, geotechnical engineers, post graduate students, construction companies and consultants, manufacturers of geotechnical construction plants and software suppliers and developers of geotechnical construction methods.

The book collates and sifts a vast amount of literature on the design of structures in the mining and construction industries to synthesize a comprehensive text on the subject area. The focus is on the application of theory to practice and the book is richly illustrated with worked out examples. The presentation is lucid and based on the extensive professional, teaching and research experience of the authors. The text seeks to address the key issues of design of 'engineered' structures in or on rock. The book will serve as a standard text for undergraduate courses in mining, civil engineering and engineering geology.

Most approaches that contribute to the design of life-critical systems almost only consider nominal situations where procedures can be developed and used to achieve satisfactory operations. These kinds of approaches lead to rigid ways of doing things and poorly address the needs for flexibility, especially when things go wrong. It is not a matter of human adaptation but of human systems integration (HSI) flexibility. HSI flexibility requires cross-fertilization of appropriate experiences combined with creativity. This book provides risk-management approaches and methods for combining prevention and design. Features: Discusses risk-management approaches and methods for combining prevention and design Examines a transdisciplinary approach to risk management in design and operations of safer life-critical systems Proposes an approach of work analysis during design, which enables design teams to consider HSI issues early enough to fix organizational problems upstream Teaches the combination of prevention and design for safety management This book gathers and analyzes relevant field data to rationalize human and systems activity in various life-critical environments and workplaces, in a systemic manner, and in a variety of safety domains (e.g., aviation, road, navy, manufacturing, hospital, transportation, defense, sport). It further formalizes and analyzes risk-taking experience, expertise, stories about critical events, and scientific and professional literature data to help engineering designers, managers, and health and safety specialists. The text is primarily written for graduate students and professionals working in the fields of occupational health and safety, ergonomics, human factors, cognitive engineering, and human-system integration.

Combined experience of well-regarded academic and professional author who has a long and illustrious career in the region Broad market across growing Australian construction sector, over 11000 students in any one year plus professionals starting careers Includes case studies, discussion questions, online support materials

All civil engineering and construction projects require some sort of solid foundation, but ground conditions bring some degree of uncertainty to every project. Dealing properly with uncertainty over ground conditions can make the difference between the commercial success and failure of a project.With margins in the construction industry at historic lows, and with costs of failing to accurately predict ground conditions becoming increasingly high, the importance of proper management of the variety of ground-related risk is paramount.Risk management has demonstrated its value in many industries, but the full lessons of that experience has not yet fully reached all aspects of civil engineering. In particular the importance of individuals and their own awareness of risks and how to manage them has often been overlooked.Martin van Staveren has written a new kind of book on ground risk management. Based on many years of professional experience and proven risk management techniques, Uncertainty and Ground Conditions demonstrates how to ensure the construction and civil engineering projects succeed in delivering on time and on budget.

Modern highway engineering reflects an integrated view of a road system's entire lifecycle, including any potential environmental impacts, and seeks to develop a sustainable infrastructure through careful planning and active management. This trend is not limited to developed nations, but is recognized across the globe. Edited by renowned authority T.F. Fwa, The Handbook of Highway Engineering provides a comprehensive, up-to-date treatment of all aspects of highway development and engineering. Its three sections range from consideration of socio-economic and environmental factors to design, construction, maintenance, and management. Beginning with financing, access management, environmental impacts, road safety, and noise, the book explores the expanded responsibilities of the modern highway engineer as well as the increasing trend toward privatization of project development and financing. The next section considers technical issues in highway and pavement engineering, including materials, new mechanistic-empirical design approaches, and new closed-form solutions for backcalculation as well as deflection and stress computation in multi-slab systems. Rounding out the discussion, the final section examines construction, management, performance evaluation including nondestructive testing, and a chapter devoted to highway asset management. Featuring contributions from eminent experts representing eight countries on four continents, The Handbook of Highway Engineering supplies all of the tools needed to manage the entire integrated process of modern highway development and engineering.

Advances in bridge maintenance, safety, management and life-cycle performance contains the papers presented at IABMAS'06, the Third International Conference of the International Association for Bridge Maintenance and Safety (IABMAS), held in Porto, Portugal from 16 to 19 July, 2006. All major aspects of bridge maintenance, management, safety, and cost are addressed including All major aspects of bridge maintenance, safety and management are addressed including advanced materials, ageing of bridges, assessment and evaluation, bridge codes, bridge diagnostics, bridge management systems, composites, design for durability, deterioration modelling, emerging technologies, fatigue, field testing, financial planning, health monitoring, high performance materials, innovations, inspection, load capacity assessment, loads, maintenance strategies, new technical and material concepts, non-destructive testing, optimization strategies, prediction of future traffic demands, rehabilitation, reliability and risk management, repair, replacement, residual service life, safety and serviceability, service life prediction, strengthening, sustainable materials for bridges, sustainable bridges, whole life costing, among others. This book is a major contribution to the state-of-the art in all aspects of bridge maintenance and safety, including contributions from leading experts in this area. It is a significant contribution to the process of decision making in bridge maintenance, safety, management and cost for the purpose of enhancing the welfare of society.