Problems in nonlinear structural dynamics and critical excitation with elastic-plastic structures are typically addressed using time-history response analysis, which requires multiple repetitions and advanced computing. This alternative approach transforms ground motion into impulses and takes an energy balance approach. This book is accessible to undergraduates, being based on the energy balance law and the concepts of kinetic and strain energies, and it can be used by practitioners for building and structural design. This presentation starts with simple models that explain the essential features and extends in a step-by-step manner to more complicated models and phenomena.

This book is an introductory text on fundamental aspects of combustion including thermodynamics, heat and mass transfer and chemical kinetics which are used to systematically derive the basic concepts of combustion. Apart from the fundamental aspects, many of the emerging topics in the field like microscale combustion, combustion dynamics, oxy-fuel combustion and combustion diagnostics are also covered in the book. This would help the beginners in the subject to get initiated to the state of the art topics. Key Features: Coverage of the essential aspects of combustion engineering suitable for both beginners and practicing professionals Topics like entropy generation, microscale combustion, combustion diagnostics, second law-based analysis exclusive to the title Balanced treatment of thermodynamics, transport phenomena and chemical kinetics Discussion on state of the art techniques in combustion diagnostics Illustrates combustion of gaseous, liquid and solid fuels along with emission of pollutants and greenhouse gases

Shaft sinking for underground transportation purposes is a very complex technological process in mining and geotechnology which requires specific and specially designed technological equipment. This technological process is dealt with for a long time, since mining is one of the oldest industries in the world. This book presents the technical papers that were presented at the International Mining Forum 2015. The International Mining Forum (IMF) is a meeting place of scientists and professionals who are engaged in confronting ideas and experience, evaluating solutions implemented, and discussing new ideas that might change the image of the mining industry. The IMF is an international activity of the School of Underground Mining, the major branch event organized both by the Mineral & Energy Economy Research Institute of the Polish Academy of Sciences and AGH-University of Science & Technology of Cracow, which gathering approximately 500 people from Poland and other countries every year. This year's edition of the International Mining Forum was related to specialistic underground construction. Experts presented papers related to the implementation and operation of the vertical and decline shafts. Experience from China, Germany, Serbia, Slovenia and Poland were shared at the meeting. The topics of papers submitted include: Application of TBM for driving declines shafts State-of-the-Art in Blind Shaft Drilling Ground freezing Technology of shaft sinking in low-strength rocks and high natural hazards probabilities Static calculations of the shaft linings Determinants of forecasting deformation in a shaft

As usage of the NEC (formerly the New Engineering Contract) family of contracts continues to grow worldwide, so does the importance of understanding its clauses and nuances to everyone working in the built environment. Currently in its third edition, this set of contracts is different to others in concept as well as format, so users may well find themselves needing a helping hand along the way. Understanding the NEC3 ECC Contract uses plain English to lead the reader through the NEC3 Engineering and Construction Contract's key features, including: main and secondary options the use of early warnings programme provisions payment compensation events preparing and assessing tenders. Common problems experienced when using the Engineering and Construction Contract are signalled to the reader throughout, and the correct way of reading each clause explained. The way the contract effects procurement processes, dispute resolution, project management, and risk management are all addressed in order to direct the user to best practice. Written for construction professionals, by a practicing international construction contract consultant, this handbook is the most straightforward, balanced and practical guide to the NEC3 ECC available. An ideal companion for employers, contractors, project managers, supervisors, engineers, architects, quantity surveyors, subcontractors, and anyone else interested in working successfully with the NEC3 ECC.

This book provides an in-depth discussion of various aspects of metal ecotoxicology. State-of-the-art information and techniques in areas ranging from metal behavior in surface waters to bioaccumulation kinetics and toxicokinetics to community effects are presented in a hierarchical arrangement. Specific topics discussed include metals in abiotic components of ecosystems, autecology (effects of metals relative to the individual or a single species), and metals in marine and freshwater systems in the context of synecology (species associated and interacting as a unit). This is an important book that will be useful to researchers, risk assessment consultants, regulatory personnel, and teachers and students.

The book examines environmental issues and their solutions with advancements in biotechnology and nanotechnology. This book will focus on environmental friendly waste management, wastewater treatment, and utilization of wastes for energy. As humanity is struggling for clean air, water and even contaminant free food, our society must ponder the condition of environment. This book covers a variety of environmental issues and how they could be solved through innovations in science, engineering and technology. The authors examine the use of biotechnological methods to remediate wastewater, toxic organic compounds and sludge management problems. The topics include different research disciplines such as water and wastewater treatment, solid waste management and utilization of wastes for energy. This book will be useful for researchers, students, scientists and academicians who are working in multidisciplinary areas like microbiology, biotechnology, nanotechnology to address environmental issues such as water and wastewater treatment, solid waste management and energy resources. Nanobiotechnology for Green Environment covers a variety of environmental issues and how they could be solved through innovations in science, engineering and technology.

This book is about the principal concept of soil mechanics that become the basis in explaining the soil mechanical behaviours. It is the extended concept of effective stress of Terzaghi and it is known as "the concept of effective stress and shear strength interaction." This new concept incorporates the role of mobilised shear strength developed within the soil body in resisting the compressive effect. Based on this new concept a comprehensive soil volume change framework has been developed known as Rotational Multiple Yield Surface Framework (RMYSF). This RMYSF is able to explain and quantify the puzzled and complex soil volume change behaviours. The main advantage of this RMYSF is that it is able to make a good prediction of soil and rock stress-strain responses at any effective stress. This will lead to accurate prediction of soil and rock settlements. Due to its simplicity and the comprehensive nature of this new fundamental concept in soil and rock mechanics, it will eventually be included in soil and rock mechanics syllabus for undergraduate and postgraduate courses. This book would be very useful for geotechnical engineers dealing with soil settlement, underground excavation, computer modelling, rock mechanics, road engineering, earth and rock dam engineering and tunnel engineering.

In 1974, John R. Vallentyne predicted that by the year 2000 we would be living in an environmental disaster he called the Algal Bowl. Just as the Dust Bowl of the 1930s was created by misusing western farmland, he forecast that the continuing misuse of lakes could only lead to water degradation. In the first edition of The Algal Bowl: Lakes and Man, he explained how the biology of lakes is changed by an overload of nutrients - a process known as eutrophication. Vallentyne demonstrated that human activity was the primary cause of eutrophication and therefore responsible for the explosive growth of algae. His efforts helped move policy makers in North America to action regarding the dangers of phosphates in fresh water. Witnessing the escalation of eutrophication, Vallentyne invited his colleague, David W. Schindler, to substantially revise this ground-breaking book. Along with updates to the scientific data, Schindler added five chapters of new research, including the effect of eutrophication on ocean estuaries. Two of North America's leading water scientists joined forces to explain the science and strategies that are essential to understanding and protecting whole water systems from eutrophication and massive algae blooms. Scientists, opinion leaders, policy makers, and concerned citizens will find this fully revised and expanded second edition an unambiguous diagnosis and prescription for change.

Billions of dollars are spent annually for the replacement of corroded structures, machinery, and components. Premature failure of bridges or structures due to corrosion can also result in human injury, loss of life, and collateral damage. Written by an authority in corrosion science, Fundamentals of Corrosion: Mechanisms, Causes, and Preventative Methods comprehensively describes the causes of corrosion-and the means to limit or prevent it. Engineers, designers, architects, and all those involved with the selection of construction materials will relish a reference that provides such a thorough yet basic illustration of the causes, prevention, and control of corrosion. This reference explores: Mechanisms and forms of corrosion Methods of attack on plastic materials Causes of failure in protective coatings, linings, and paints Development of new alloys with corrosion-resistant properties Exposure to the atmosphere is one of the largest problems and biggest causes of corrosion that engineers and designers face in construction. It has been further estimated that the cost of protection against atmospheric corrosion accounts for approximately half the total cost of all corrosion protection methods. This book places special emphasis on atmospheric exposure and presents vital information regarding the design of structures, automobiles, household plumbing, manufacturing equipment, and other entities, as well as the effects of de-icing chemicals on highways and bridges.

This first volume of a two-volume work contains the papers presented at the 2016 International Conference on Civil, Architecture and Environmental Engineering (ICCAE 2016) that was held on 4-6 November 2016 in Taipei, Taiwan. The meeting was organized by China University of Technology and Taiwan Society of Construction Engineers and brought together professors, researchers, scholars and industrial pioneers from all over the world. ICCAE 2016 is an important forum for the presentation of new research developments, exchange of ideas and experience and covers the following subject areas: Structural Science & Architecture Engineering, Building Materials & Materials Science, Construction Equipment & Mechanical Science, Environmental Science & Environmental Engineering, Computer Simulation & Computer and Electrical Engineering. Volume 1 covers subject areas Structural Science and Architecture Engineering; Building Materials and Materials Science & Construction Equipment and Mechanical Science.

This work contains the papers presented at the 2016 International Conference on Civil, Architecture and Environmental Engineering (ICCAE 2016) that was held on 4-6 November 2016 in Taipei, Taiwan. The meeting was organized by China University of Technology and Taiwan Society of Construction Engineers and brought together professors, researchers, scholars and industrial pioneers from all over the world. ICCAE 2016 is an important forum for the presentation of new research developments, exchange of ideas and experience and covers the following subject areas: Structural Science & Architecture Engineering, Building Materials & Materials Science, Construction Equipment & Mechanical Science, Environmental Science & Environmental Engineering, Computer Simulation & Computer and Electrical Engineering. This second volume of the two-volume set covers the subjects: Environmental Science and Engineering & Computer Simulation, Computer and Electrical Engineering

This book provides a basic understanding of waste management problems and issues faced by modern society. Scientific, technical, and environmental principles are emphasized to illustrate the processes of municipal and industrial solid wastes and liquid wastes, and the nature of impacts resulting from waste dispersal and disposal in the environment. Economic, social, legal, and political aspects of waste management are also addressed. Environmental issues and concerns receive thorough coverage in discussing waste reduction, resource recovery, and efficient and practical waste disposal systems. Other specific topics include recycling, physical and chemical processing, the biological treatment of waste solids, incineration, pyrolysis, and energy recover, hazardous wastes, and landfill management.The role of government and other institutions in waste management and resource recovery matters is also detailed. Discussion questions, worked examples, and end-of-chapter problems reinforce important concepts. Waste Management and Resource Recovery is particularly suitable as a text in waste management courses in environmental science or engineering programs. It also works well as a reference for practitioners in the waste management field.

The 2016 International Conference on Energy, Environment and Materials Science (EEMS 2016) took place on July 29-31, 2016 in Singapore. EEMS 2016 has been a meeting place for innovative academics and industrial experts in the field of energy and environment research. The primary goal of the conference is to promote research and developmental activities in energy and environment research and further to promote scientific information exchange between researchers, developers, engineers, students, and practitioners working all around the world. The conference will be organized every year making it an ideal platform for people to share views and experiences in energy, environment and materials science and related areas.

Safety of Sea Transportation is the second of two Conference Proceedings of TransNav 2017, June 21-23 in Gdynia, Poland. Safety of Sea Transportation will focus on the following themes: Sustainability, intermodal and multimodal transportation Safety and hydrodynamic study of hydrotechnical structures Bunkering and fuel consumption Gases emission, water pollution and environmental protection Occupational accidents Supply chain of blocks and spare parts Electrotechnical problems Ships stability and loading strength Cargo loading and port operations Maritime Education and Training (MET) Human factor, crew manning and seafarers problems Economic analysis Mathematical models, methods and algorithms Fishery Legal aspects Aviation

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.

Disasters are not natural. Natural events such as earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, etc. become disasters because of the fragile relations that exist between the natural, human and built environments. Sadly, major disasters will always occur in towns and cities in the developing world where resources are limited, people are vulnerable and needs are particularly great. The prevailing state of emergency challenges thoughtful and sustainable planning and construction. Yet it is possible, in theory and in practice, to construct them in a way that provides a sustainable environment and improved conditions for current and future generations.

Rebuilding After Disasters emphasizes the role of the built environment in the re-establishment of lives and sustainable livelihoods after disasters. Expert contributors explain the principal challenges facing professionals and practitioners in the building industry.

This book will be of great value to decision makers, students and researchers in the fields of architecture, social sciences, engineering, planning, geography, and disaster recovery.

The book collects the latest research on both contractual and conceptual collaborative practices in construction. It identifies common problems faced by the industry and draws out practical implications.
Construction projects are increasingly run in ways that undermine the traditional boundary of the firm and sometimes also the definition of the project coalition. This poses challenges for construction firms whose clients demand ever increasing performance improvements as well as those firms who want to improve their strategies for greater collaboration to give themselves competitive advantage.
The editors identify three main themes: collaborative relationships, operating both in frameworks and within networks of contacts, e.g. relational contracting in partnering, supply chain management and other procurement-driven initiatives.
The second theme is frameworks, both contractual frameworks binding parties together over a series of contracts, and conceptual frameworks used to develop future performance improvement arising from the proactive strategies of firms.
The third theme is the network of relationships that supports individuals and firms within the project coalition in delivering services and adding value to improve performance. These networks define the investment and incentives supporting the inter-firm and intra-firm relationships, as well as the formal contractual conditions through which such incentives flow. Networks of information exchange define the structure of the activity and help predict organisational configurations for successful project outcomes.

The 2017 2nd International Conference on Electromechanical Control Technology and Transportation (ICECTT 2017) was held on January 14-15, 2017 in Zhuhai, China. ICECTT 2017 brought together academics and industrial experts in the field of electromechanical control technology and transportation to a common forum. The primary goal of the conference was to promote research and developmental activities in electromechanical control technology and transportation. Another goal was to promote exchange of scientific information between researchers, developers, engineers, students, and practitioners working all around the world. The conference will be held every year thus making it an ideal platform for people to share views and experiences in electromechanical control technology and transportation and related areas.

An earthquake is a powerful surface acoustic wave (SAW) generated by a seismic event, such as a volcano or motion of the Earth's layers, that propagates on the Earth's surface. This book explains the design of earthquake resistant structures using SAW techniques that offer a variety of experimental setups and theoretical models. Designs of protecting systems able to dissipate or deflect SSW energy built around buildings or towns located in earthquake regions set this book apart from other seismology publications.

Advances in Terrestrial Drilling: Ground, Ice, and Underwater includes the latest drilling and excavation principles and processes for terrestrial environments. The chapters cover the history of drilling and excavation, drill types, drilling techniques and their advantages and associated issues, rock coring including acquisition, damage control, caching and transport, and data interpretation, as well as unconsolidated soil drilling and borehole stability. This book includes a description of the basic science of the drilling process, associated processes of breaking and penetrating various media, the required hardware, and the process of excavation and analysis of the sampled media. Describes recent advances in terrestrial drilling. Discusses drilling in the broadest range of media including terrestrial surfaces, ice and underwater from shallow penetration to very deep. Provides an in-depth description of key drilling techniques and the unified approach to assessing the required tools for given drilling requirements. Discusses environmental effects on drilling, current challenges of drilling and excavation, and methods that are used to address these. Examines novel drilling and excavation approaches. Dr. Yoseph Bar-Cohen is the Supervisor of the Electroactive Technologies Group (http://ndeaa.jpl.nasa.gov/) and a Senior Research Scientist at the Jet Propulsion Lab/Caltech, Pasadena, CA. His research is focused on electro-mechanics including planetary sample handling mechanisms, novel actuators that are driven by such materials as piezoelectric and EAP (also known as artificial muscles), and biomimetics. Dr. Kris Zacny is a Senior Scientist and Vice President of Exploration Systems at Honeybee Robotics, Altadena, CA. His expertise includes space mining, sample handling, soil and rock mechanics, extraterrestrial drilling, and In Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU).

The International Conference on Engineering Sciences and Technologies (ESaT 2015), organized under the auspices of the Faculty of Civil Engineering, Technical University in Kosice - Slovak Republic was held May 27-29, 2015 in the High Tatras, Slovak Republic. Facilitating discussions on novel and fundamental advances in the fields of Engineering Sciences and Technologies for scientists, researchers and professionals from around the world. The Conference focused on a wide spectrum of topics and areas of Civil engineering sciences: Materials and technologies Survey, mapping and planning Buildings and structures Roads, bridges and geotechnics Reliability and durability of structures Mechanics and dynamics Water supply and drainage Heating, ventilation and air condition Environmental engineering Construction technology and management Computer simulation and modeling

This book covers both the practical and theoretical aspects of catastrophe modelling for insurance industry practitioners and public policymakers. Written by authors with both academic and industry experience it also functions as an excellent graduate-level text and overview of the field. Ours is a time of unprecedented levels of risk from both natural and anthropogenic sources. Fortunately, it is also an era of relatively inexpensive technologies for use in assessing those risks. The demand from both commercial and public interests including (re)insurers, NGOs, global disaster management agencies, and local authorities for sophisticated catastrophe risk assessment tools has never been greater, and contemporary catastrophe modelling satisfies that demand. Combining the latest research with detailed coverage of state-of-the-art catastrophe modelling techniques and technologies, this book delivers the knowledge needed to use, interpret, and build catastrophe models, and provides greater insight into catastrophe modelling s enormous potential and possible limitations. * The first book containing the detailed, practical knowledge needed to support practitioners as effective catastrophe risk modellers and managers * Includes hazard, vulnerability and financial material to provide the only independent, comprehensive overview of the subject, accessible to students and practitioners alike * Demonstrates the relevance of catastrophe models within a practical, decision-making framework and illustrates their many applications * Includes contributions from many of the top names in the field, globally, from industry, academia, and government Natural Catastrophe Risk Management and Modelling: A Practitioner s Guide is an important working resource for catastrophe modelling analysts and developers, actuaries, underwriters, and those working in compliance or regulatory functions related to catastrophe risk. It is also valuable for scientists and engineers seeking to gain greater insight into catastrophe risk management and its applications.

The catchment area of the Mekong River and its tributaries extends from China, through Burma/Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and to Vietnam. The water resources of the Mekong region - from the Irrawaddy and Nu-Salween in the west, across the Chao Phraya to the Lancang-Mekong and Red River in the east- are increasingly contested. Governments, companies, and banks are driving new investments in roads, dams, diversions, irrigation schemes, navigation facilities, power plants and other emblems of conventional 'development'. Their plans and interventions should provide some benefits, but also pose multiple burdens and risks to millions of people dependent on wetlands, floodplains and aquatic resources, in particular, the wild capture fisheries of rivers and lakes. This book examines how large-scale projects are being proposed, justified, and built. How are such projects contested and how do specific governance regimes influence decision making? The book also highlights the emergence of new actors, rights and trade-off debates, and the social and environmental consequences of 'water resources development'. This book shows how diverse, and often antagonistic, ideologies and interests are contesting for legitimacy. It argues that the distribution of decision-making, political, and discursive power influences how the waterscapes of the region will ultimately look and how benefits, costs and risks will be distributed. These issues are crucial for the transformation of waterscapes and the prospects for democratizing water governance in the Mekong region. The book is part of the action-research of the M-POWER (Mekong Program on Water, Environment and Resilience) knowledge network. Published with IFAD, CG|AR Challenge Program on Water & Food, M-POWER, Project ECHEL-EAU and HEINRICH BOLL STIFTUNG

This key text for the building team is an authoritative guide and gives a detailed account of the team's roles and responsibilities, with best industry practice required to ensure that building projects meet clients' expectations on time, cost and quality. The second edition of The Aqua Group Guide to Procurement, Tendering and Contract Administration has been edited, enlarged and updated by a high-profile author team with unparalleled experience of both private and public sectors, as well as of teaching on QS courses. It covers the entire building process from inception to final account and throughout, the emphasis is on current best practice. This edition has new material on the CDM regulations; JCT contracts; the RIBA Plan of Work; the RICS New Rules of Measurement; BIM; and Sustainability - as well as a general update for industry changes, especially on procurement; internationalisation; and PFI. With clear and thorough explanations, you are taken through self-contained chapters covering the detail of the briefing stage, procurement methods, tendering procedures, and contract administration. The period from starting a college course to successful completion of professional examinations represents a long and steep learning curve. The range of skills and the knowledge required to perform work efficiently and effectively might, at first, seem rather daunting. Although designed as an introductory textbook for undergraduates in construction, architecture and quantity surveying, The Aqua Group Guide offers an excellent overview of contract administration and will provide you with sufficient understanding to hold you in good stead for your early years in professional practice.

Despite the growing recognition of the importance of environmental issues for nation-state security, current research on international environmental security is insufficient. Although scholars in the field of International Relations believe that there is an appropriate role for international relations theory in analyzing global environmental concerns, the existing literature is predominantly descriptive or prescriptive rather than analytical. This study attempts to remedy this problem by conducting an empirical analysis of nation-state behavior in the international environmental realm.