How does mercury get out of the ground and into our food? Is tuna safe to eat? What was the Minamata Disaster? Mercury Pollution: A Transdisciplinary Treatment addresses these questions and more. The editors weave interdisciplinary threads into a tapestry that presents a more complete picture of the effects of mercury pollution and provides new ways to think about the environment. The remarkable features that make mercury so useful-and poisonous-have given rise to many stories laid out in rich objective detail, carefully detailing medical, epidemiological, or historical insight, but sidestepping the human experience. A technically rich book that only touches on the human consequences of mercury poisoning cannot fully portray the anguish, confusion, and painful deaths that are the consequence of mercury pollution. Therefore, the editors purposely step out of the conventional scientific framework for discussing mercury pollution to explore the wider human experience. This book clarifies how we are all connected to mercury, how we absorb it through the food we eat and the air we breathe, and how we release it as a consequence of our new technologies. It tackles interesting environmental issues without being overly technical and uses mercury as a case study and model for studying environmental problems. The book uses discussions of the issues surrounding mercury pollution to illustrate how an interdisciplinary vantage is necessary to solve environmental problems. Read an article in the SETAC Globe by Michael C. Newman and Sharon L. Zuber at http://www.setac.org/globe/2011/november/mercury-pollution.html

Following from the success of the first edition, written by a collection of eminent figures in the field, this new edition continues to look at the rational planning for port facilities requirements (berths, storage and cargo handling equipment), organisations, management and operations with relation to planning and design of ports and marine terminals.

The steady growth in the number of vehicles on the road, heavy reliance on coal, use of dirty fuels for residential combustion, and extensive open burning are some of the major factors leading to the progressive deterioration of air quality in developing countries in Asia. And despite efforts to establish and implement air quality measurement systems, the development of infrastructure, environmental technology, and management practices continues to lag behind the rate of emission increase. Based on ten years of coordinated research, Integrated Air Quality Management: Asian Case Studies discusses technical and policy tools for the integrated air quality management of developing countries in Asia. The book begins with an overview of major issues of air quality management practices in developing Asia and potential approaches to reduce pollution, including opportunities for integration of air quality improvement and climate migration strategies. It covers the methodology and results of fine particulate matter monitoring using traditional filter-based and satellite monitoring techniques. It examines the applications of a 3D dispersion modeling tool for urban and regional air quality management focusing on surface ozone, fine particulate matter, and acid deposition. The final chapters discuss innovative control technologies for gaseous air pollutants and illustrate the integrated air quality management in developing Asia through case studies for target source categories including agricultural residue field burning, vehicle emissions, brick kilns, and industrial VOC emission. Illustrated with case studies, this book presents an integrated air quality management methodology that employs technical and policy tools to achieve air quality goals. It includes technical information and policy recommendations based on the outcomes of several multi-year air quality research programs coordinated by the Asian Institute of Technology. The text combines fundamental information and advanced knowledge useful to large audiences dealing with subjects of integrated air quality management.

The mechanisms by which buildings and infrastructures degrade are complex, as are the procedures and methods for inspection and for rehabilitation. This book examines the various problems caused by non-uniform deformation changes, poor durability, and natural and human disasters such as earthquakes and fire. Attention is given to the causes and mechanisms of the deterioration. General procedures and commonly used techniques for inspection and evaluation of existing infrastructures are introduced. The desk study, destructive test, and non-destructive test are discussed - in particular the newly developed non-destructive methods for deterioration monitoring. The book then moves on to conventional renovation techniques such as patch and steel plate strengthening, which meet the requirements of normal practice. Special attention is paid to compatibility between repair materials and degraded materials. Fibrous composite materials are then introduced as a basis for innovative repair techniques, and different fibre and matrix properties are outlined, as are newly developed inorganic binders as a matrix for fibrous composites. Finally, advanced rehabilitation techniques using fibrous composite are described. Fundamental issues such as bonding and failure mechanisms are then discussed in detail. Fibrous composite strengthening techniques for beam, wall, column and slabs are covered, including shear strengthening, flexural strengthening, and fillet winding, as are codes of practice for retrofitting with fibrous composites. This caters to students and academics world-wide and serves as a "tool book" for concrete and structural engineering professionals.

The identification of meso-scale phenomena - occurring between microscopic and continuum length scales - has been one of the most exciting developments in rock mechanics in the last decade. Meso-scale phenomena are considered as the bridge between the two length scales in understanding shear between material interfaces as well as particulate systems and in studying material response. Examples are the initiation of seismic slip along fault planes at great depths at rates nearing shock conditions, and the initiation and rapid runout of landslides near the earth's surface. Additionally, the basic physics of thermo-poro-mechanical coupling can be elucidated through a meso-scale mechanics approach as a means of understanding the loss of shearing resistance when water and heat are trapped inside almost impervious clay layers under great pressure. This book presents a collection of 21 current, peer-reviewed articles on shear physics at the meso-scale in earthquake and landslide mechanics, authored by leading international experts in the field. Contributions are grouped in 5 chapters, discussing (1) the dynamics of frictional slip, (2) fault gauge mechanics, (3) experimental fault zone mechanics, (4) granular shear and liquefaction, and (5) landslides' dynamics. This research area has broad applications to the fields of earth sciences and geoengineering, with immediate bearing on our understanding of both earthquake and landslide mechanics, two geological processes that pose great risk to man kind worldwide.

In recent years, the area dealing with the physical chemistry of materials has become an emerging discipline in materials science that emphasizes the study of materials for chemical, sustainable energy, and pollution abatement applications. Written by an active researcher in this field, Physical Chemistry of Materials: Energy and Environmental Applications presents methods for synthesizing and characterizing adsorbents, ion exchangers, ionic conductors, heterogeneous catalysts, and permeable porous and dense materials. It also discusses their properties and applications. The book explores various examples of these important materials, including perovskites, zeolites, mesoporous molecular sieves, silica, alumina, active carbons, carbon nanotubes, titanium dioxide, magnesium oxide, clays, pillared clays, hydrotalcites, alkali metal titanates, titanium silicates, polymers, and coordination polymers. It shows how the materials are used in adsorption, ion conduction, ion exchange, gas separation, membrane reactors, catalysts, catalysts supports, sensors, pollution abatement, detergency, animal nourishment, agriculture, and sustainable energy applications. Rising pollution levels and the need for sustainable energy have necessitated new ways of using certain materials to combat these problems. Focusing on this emerging discipline, Physical Chemistry of Materials describes the methods of syntheses and characterization of adsorbents, ion exchangers, ionic conductors, catalysts, and permeable materials. It tackles key issues in materials science and physical chemistry.

The 12th International Conference on Marine Navigation and Safety of Sea Transportation (TransNav 2017) will take place on June 21-23 in Gdynia, Poland. Main themes of this conference include: electronic navigation, route planning, mathematical models, methods and algorithms, ships manoeuvring, navigational risks, Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS), Automatic Identification System (AIS), marine radar, anti-collision, dynamic positioning, visualization of data, hydrometereological aspects and weather routing, safety at sea, inland navigation, autonomous water transport, communications and global maritime distress and safety system (GMDSS), port ant routes optimum location and magnetic compasses.

Dam and levee remediation has become more prevalent since the start of the twenty-first century. Given the vastness and complexity of the infrastructures involved, keeping up with maintenance needs is very difficult. Major surges in repair are usually triggered by nature's wake-up calls, such as hurricanes, floods, and earthquakes. The challenge has been to develop methods that ensure safe, effective, reliable, and robust solutions for current and future remediation issues. Specialty Construction Techniques for Dam and Levee Remediation presents the state of practice in North American dam and levee remediation as it relates to the use of specialty geotechnical construction techniques, such as anchors, grouting, cutoff (diaphragm) walls, and deep mixing. The book focuses on the actual construction processes, describing design and performance aspects of remediation where appropriate. Chapters deal with the application of drilling and grouting methods, methods to install mix-in-place (category 2) cutoff structures, excavated and backfilled trenches (category 1), composite cutoff walls, and stabilization using prestressed rock anchors. The book also provides a comprehensive guide to dam and levee instrumentation, covering planning, operating principles, data management, staffing, and automation. As an educational and salutary example of ineffective efforts, the final chapter presents a case history of a series of remediations performed on a single project, which ultimately proved unsuccessful. A wide range of methods has been developed in response to the challenges that arise in the dam and levee remediation arena and the need for a competitive edge. These new methods are designed and monitored using state-of-the-art techniques, giving rise to the emergence of new intensity and initiative in this field. This book captures this transformation by examining the theory and practice of contemporary remedial techniques, using recent U.S. case histories to provide knowledge and inspiration to readers, both in North America and around the world.

This thesis presents the implementation of fully three-dimensional sediment transport and morphological updating formulations within a proven three-dimensional hydrodynamic flow solver. The thesis briefly discusses the formulations used to model both suspended and bed-load transport of non-cohesive sediment, and describes the implementation of a morphological updating scheme which incorporates novel approaches to morphological acceleration and dry bank erosion. Approaches used to model the three-dimensional effects of waves on coastal hydrodynamics and of three-dimensional currents on waves are also discussed. Results of several validation studies are presented and the model is shown to perform well in a series of simplified theoretical, laboratory, and full scale test cases. Application of the model and acceleration techniques to the complex and dynamic entrance to Willapa Bay, WA, USA is also discussed. Model processes are validated against the results of an extensive field measurement campaign, and diagnostic morphological model simulations are performed for two historical periods of contrasting morphological development. Input reduction and morphological acceleration techniques used to perform 5-year simulations of Willapa Bay are critically analysed and a new generic method to select a representative morphological tide for coastal environments containing significant diurnal tidal energy is presented.

Innovation and Application of Engineering Technology contains the proceeding of International Symposium of Engineering Technology and Application Convocation (ISETA 2017, 25-28 May 2017, Montreal, Canada). The Symposium provided an international forum for discussion and communication of engineering technology and application of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Mining Engineering, Risk and Occupational Engineering and other fields related to engineering. Sponsored by Concordia University, International Joint Research Laboratory of Henan Province for Underground Space Development, Henan Polytechnic University and IJSS, Innovation and Application of Engineering Technology will be useful for researchers, engineers and graduate and Ph.D. students in related Engineering fields.

This well-established text book fills the gap between the general texts on fluid mechanics and the highly specialised volumes on hydraulic engineering.It covers all aspects of hydraulic science normally dealt with in a civil engineering degree course and will be as useful to the engineer in practice as it is to the student and the teacher.

This volume provides an overview of the mineral admixtures used in concrete, including silica fume, slag, rice-husk ash, fly ash and natural pozzolans. It also includes the mineral/chemical composition of the admixtures, their chemical reactions with cement and as a method of recycling.

This volume includes over 30 chapters, written by experts from around the world. It examines the environmental aspects of drought such as groundwater and soil contamination, river low-flow, urban water quality, and desertification. It also examines the effects of climate change and variability on drought, and discusses the differences in groundwater, rainfall, and temperatures and their related effects. It presents analytical modeling for better understanding drought in uncertain and changing climates.

Nonlinear static monotonic (pushover) analysis has become a common practice in performance-based bridge seismic design. The popularity of pushover analysis is due to its ability to identify the failure modes and the design limit states of bridge piers and to provide the progressive collapse sequence of damaged bridges when subjected to major earthquakes. Seismic Design Aids for Nonlinear Pushover Analysis of Reinforced Concrete and Steel Bridges fills the need for a complete reference on pushover analysis for practicing engineers. This technical reference covers the pushover analysis of reinforced concrete and steel bridges with confined and unconfined concrete column members of either circular or rectangular cross sections as well as steel members of standard shapes. It provides step-by-step procedures for pushover analysis with various nonlinear member stiffness formulations, including: Finite segment-finite string (FSFS) Finite segment-moment curvature (FSMC) Axial load-moment interaction (PM) Constant moment ratio (CMR) Plastic hinge length (PHL) Ranging from the simplest to the most sophisticated, the methods are suitable for engineers with varying levels of experience in nonlinear structural analysis. The authors also provide a downloadable computer program, INSTRUCT (INelastic STRUCTural Analysis of Reinforced-Concrete and Steel Structures), that allows readers to perform their own pushover analyses. Numerous real-world examples demonstrate the accuracy of analytical prediction by comparing numerical results with full- or large-scale test results. A useful reference for researchers and engineers working in structural engineering, this book also offers an organized collection of nonlinear pushover analysis applications for students.

Concern about the fate of waste products produced by a wide range of industrial processes has led to the realization that they may have potential uses and, therefore, value. In an effort to develop more sustainable processes and reduce waste storage, the use of waste as a resource has been gaining attention worldwide. Consequently, there have been a large number of studies aimed at utilizing such wastes. Conversion of Large Scale Wastes into Value-added Products discusses various selected classes of large-scale waste and their current applications and potential future applications. This book provides a snapshot of a continually evolving field, which includes both well-established processes and a drive toward developing strategies for new applications of wastes. The first chapter provides a general introduction to the area of large-scale waste utilization, including drivers for waste recovery, and secondary processes and products for waste reuse. Subsequent chapters discuss applications and potential applications in specific classes of large-scale waste: Various types of waste generated from different metal processing operations Waste generated by coal combustion, a major source of power generation that produces enormous quantities of waste Waste electrical and electronic equipment, important for recycling finite resources and reducing health and environmental risks Food waste, a significant and diverse waste stream with economic and environmental impacts The final chapter presents a general conclusion to the broad subject of waste utilization, summarizing the topics and addressing future trends in waste research.

A clear, concise discussion of today's hottest topics in climate change, including adapting to climate change and geo-engineering to mitigate the effects of change, Engineering Response to Climate Change, Second Edition takes on the tough questions of what to do and offers real solutions to the practical problems caused by radical changes in the Earth's climate. From energy consumption and carbon dioxide emissions reduction, to climate-altering technologies, this new edition explores the latest concerns such as acidification of the ocean, energy efficiency, transportation, space solar power, and future and emerging possibilities. The editors set the stage by discussing the separate issues of the emissions of radiatively important atmospheric constituents, energy demand, energy supply, agriculture, water resources, coastal hazards, adaption strategies, and geo-engineering. They explain the difference between the natural and human drivers of climate change and describe how humans have influenced the global climate during past decades. Each chapter concludes with discussion questions, calculations, and possible research topics. See What's in the Second Edition: New conceptual tools and research necessary for problems associated with fossil fuels Cutting-edge topics such as adaption and geo-engineering The latest concerns such as acidification of the ocean, energy efficiency, transportation, and space solar power Solutions to problems caused by changes in the Earth's climate So much has changed in the 15 years since the publication of the first edition, that this is, in effect, a completely new book. However, the general theme is the same: the climate energy problem has become largely an engineering problem. With this in mind, the book explores what engineers can do to prevent, mitigate, or adapt to climate change.

Chloride ingress in reinforced concrete induces corrosion and consequent spilling and structural weakness, and it occurs world-wide and imposes an enormous cost. Yet it can be resisted by using test methods and relevant models for service life prediction. Resistance of Concrete to Chloride Ingress sets out current understanding of chloride transport mechanisms, test methods and prediction models. It describes basic mechanisms and theories, and classifies the commonly used parameters and their units which expressing chloride and its transport properties in concrete. Laboratory test methods and in-field applicable test methods, including precision results from inter-laboratory comparison tests, are then outlined. Some of the fundamentals of models are explained, and the different types of models are then analyzed theoretically and critically. Analytical and probabilistic approaches are used to analyze the sensitivity of various models and the results from a benchmarking evaluation of different models are presented and discussed. Guidelines for the practical use of test methods and models are given, including tests for in-situ applications, and test methods validated by the precision results are detailed. The book draws to a large extent on the Chlortest project, which involved seventeen partners from ten European countries, and serves as an authoritative guide.

The second edition of Applied Structural and Mechanical Vibrations: Theory and Methods continues the first edition's dual focus on the mathematical theory and the practical aspects of engineering vibrations measurement and analysis. This book emphasises the physical concepts, brings together theory and practice, and includes a number of worked-out examples of varying difficulty and an extensive list of references. What's New in the Second Edition: Adds new material on response spectra Includes revised chapters on modal analysis and on probability and statistics Introduces new material on stochastic processes and random vibrations The book explores the theory and methods of engineering vibrations. By also addressing the measurement and analysis of vibrations in real-world applications, it provides and explains the fundamental concepts that form the common background of disciplines such as structural dynamics, mechanical, aerospace, automotive, earthquake, and civil engineering. Applied Structural and Mechanical Vibrations: Theory and Methods presents the material in order of increasing complexity. It introduces the simplest physical systems capable of vibratory motion in the fundamental chapters, and then moves on to a detailed study of the free and forced vibration response of more complex systems. It also explains some of the most important approximate methods and experimental techniques used to model and analyze these systems. With respect to the first edition, all the material has been revised and updated, making it a superb reference for advanced students and professionals working in the field.

The Strip Method Design Handbook is a thorough guide to the use of the strip method, developed by Arne Hillerborg, for design of reinforced concrete slabs. The strip method of design is relevant to many types of slabs including rectangular slabs with all sides supported and regular flat slabs with cantilevering parts. The author discusses unevenly distributed loads, concentrated loads and the influence of openings as well as joist floors and prestressed slabs. This book provides a practical guide for the designer demonstrating how to use the strip method in a wide range of design situations specific to a slab type. The method is illustrated throughout with numerical examples and the analysis is rationalised with approximations and formulas for the calculation of design moments.

Many books focus on individual differences and how those relate to traffic safety such as accident proneness, gender differences, age, alcohol, and the effects of drugs. Others focus on the safety effects regarding the vehicle such as airbags, anti-lock brakes, navigation systems, intelligent cruise control and other new gadgets coming to the vehicle. Even though these topics are undoubtedly important for traffic safety, this book takes a unique approach as it focuses solely on the road environment. Designing Safe Road Systems provides the background for those who want to know more about the effects of road design on driving behaviour. It uses a systems approach to allow a better understanding of why and in what circumstances drivers may commit errors. This understanding will ultimately lead to road systems that prevent (fatal) errors from occurring. The book contains an overview of the current models and theories about human performance and human behaviour in traffic that are relevant for all those involved in designing safe road systems. The central theme of this book is how design principles can reduce the probability of an error while driving. The authors demonstrate how knowledge of human factors helps a road authority to better understand how road users behave. They argue that in many cases the design of the environment can be further adjusted to human capabilities, and that safety should be considered a system property to be built into the road system.

Immersed tunnels have been around for more than a century but remain a relatively unknown form of tunnel construction. For waterway crossings they are an effective alternative to bored tunnels and bridges, particularly in shallower waters, soft alluvial soils, and earthquake-prone areas. Successful implementation requires a thorough understanding of a wide variety of civil engineering disciplines and construction techniques. Immersed Tunnels brings together in one volume all aspects of immersed tunnels from initial feasibility and planning, through design and construction, to operation and maintenance. Get Valuable Insights into Immersed Tunnel Engineering from Expert Practitioners The book presents design and construction principles to give a full appreciation not only of what is involved in an immersed tunnel scheme but also how potential problems are dealt with and overcome. It examines important factors that have to be considered, particularly environmental implications and mechanical and electrical systems. It also gives practical examples of how specific techniques have been used in various projects and highlights issues that designers and constructors should be aware of. In addition, the book discusses operation and maintenance and reviews contractual matters. These aspects are described from the viewpoint of two experienced practitioners in the field who have a wealth of experience on immersed tunnel projects worldwide. As tunnels are increasingly being adopted as engineering solutions around the world, this unique and extensively illustrated reference explores the wide variety of immersed tunnel techniques available to designers and constructors. It provides essential insight for anyone involved, or seeking to be involved, with immersed tunnel projects.

Long span suspension bridges cost billions. In recent decades, structural health monitoring systems have been developed to measure the loading environment and responses of these bridges in order to assess serviceability and safety while tracking the symptoms of operational incidents and potential damage. This helps ensure the bridge functions properly during a long service life and guards against catastrophic failure under extreme events. Although these systems have achieved some success, this cutting-edge technology involves many complex topics that present challenges to students, researchers, and engineers alike. Systematically introducing the fundamentals and outlining the advanced technologies for achieving effective long-term monitoring, Structural Health Monitoring of Long-Span Suspension Bridges covers: The design of structural health monitoring systems Finite element modelling and system identification Highway loading monitoring and effects Railway loading monitoring and effects Temperature monitoring and thermal behaviour Wind monitoring and effects Seismic monitoring and effects SHMS-based rating method for long span bridge inspection and maintenance Structural damage detection and test-bed establishment These are applied in a rigorous case study, using more than ten years' worth of data, to the Tsing Ma suspension bridge in Hong Kong to examine their effectiveness in the operational performance of a real bridge. The Tsing Ma bridge is the world's longest suspension bridge to carry both a highway and railway, and is located in one of the world's most active typhoon regions. Bridging the gap between theory and practice, this is an ideal reference book for students, researchers, and engineering practitioners.

Geotechnical instrumentation is used for installation, monitoring and assessment on any sizeable project, particularly in urban areas, and is used for recording, controlled remedial work, and safety. This unique and up-to-date book deals with the conceptual philosophy behind the use of instruments, and then systematically covers their practical use. It is divided into displacement dominated systems and stress recording systems. The limitations are discussed and the theoretical background for data assessment and presentation are covered in some detail, with some relevant background material in theoretical soil mechanics. Relevant advanced electronic techniques such as laser scanning in surveying and fibre-optics are also included and communication and data recovery systems are discussed. This book is written for senior designers, consulting engineers, and major contractors who need a major introduction to the general purpose, availability, and analysis of field instruments before details of their own project can be progressed, and it serves as a textbook to any specialist geotechnical MSc or professional seminar course in which instrumentation forms a major part.

Develop a Greater Understanding of How and Why Surface Wave Testing Works Using examples and case studies directly drawn from the authors' experience, Surface Wave Methods for Near-Surface Site Characterization addresses both the experimental and theoretical aspects of surface wave propagation in both forward and inverse modeling. This book accents the key facets associated with surface wave testing for near-surface site characterization. It clearly outlines the basic principles, the theoretical framework and the practical implementation of surface wave analysis. In addition, it also describes in detail the equipment and measuring devices, acquisition techniques, signal processing, forward and inverse modeling theories, and testing protocols that form the basis of modern surface wave techniques. Review Examples of Typical Applications for This Geophysical Technique Divided into eight chapters, the book explains surface wave testing principles from data measurement to interpretation. It effectively integrates several examples and case studies illustrating how different ground conditions and geological settings may influence the interpretation of data measurements. The authors accurately describe each phase of testing in addition to the guidelines for correctly performing and interpreting results. They present variants of the test within a consistent framework to facilitate comparisons, and include an in-depth discussion of the uncertainties arising at each stage of surface wave testing. Provides a comprehensive and in-depth treatment of all the steps involved in surface wave testing Discusses surface wave methods and their applications in various geotechnical conditions and geological settings Explains how surface wave measurements can be used to estimate both stiffness and dissipative properties of the ground Addresses the issue of uncertainty, which is often an overlooked problem in surface wave testing Includes examples with comparative analysis using different processing techniques and inversion algorithms Outlines advanced applications of surface wave testing such as joint inversion, underwater investigation, and Love wave analysis Written for geotechnical engineers, engineering seismologists, geophysicists, and researchers, Surface Wave Methods for Near-Surface Site Characterization offers practical guidance, and presents a thorough understanding of the basic concepts.

Fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) decks have been increasingly used for new construction and rehabilitation projects worldwide. The benefits of using FRP bridge decks, such as durability, light weight, high strength, reduced maintenance costs, and rapid installation, outweigh their initial in-place material costs when implemented in highway bridge projects. FRP Deck and Steel Girder Bridge Systems: Analysis and Design compiles the necessary information to facilitate the development of the standards and guidelines needed to promote further adoption of composite sandwich panels in construction. It also, for the first time, proposes a complete set of design guidelines. Providing both experimental investigations and theoretical analyses, this book covers three complementary parts: FRP decks, shear connectors between the deck and steel girders, and the behavior of bridge systems. The text presents stiffness and strength evaluations for FRP deck panels and FRP deck-girder bridge systems. While the FRP deck studies focus on honeycomb FPR sandwich panels over steel girder bridge systems, they can be adapted to other sandwich configurations. Similarly, the shear connection and bridge system studies can be applied to other types of FRP decks. Chapters discuss skin effect, core configuration, facesheet laminates, out-of-plane compression and sheer, mechanical shear connectors, and FRP deck-steel girder bridge systems. Based on the findings described in the text, the authors propose design guidelines and present design examples to illustrate application of the guidelines. In the final chapter, they also provide a systematic analysis and design approach for single-span FRP deck-stringer bridges. This book presents new and improved theories and combines analytical models, numerical analyses, and experimental investigations to devise a practical analysis procedure, resulting in FRP deck design formulations.