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.

Since manufacturing has acquired industrial relevance, the problem of adequately sizing manufacturing plants has always been discussed and has represented a di?cult problem for the enterprises, which prepare strategic plans to competitively operate in the market. Manufact- ing capacity is quite expensive and its exploitation and planning must be carefully designed in order to avoid large wastes, or to preserve the survival of enterprises in the market. Indeed a good choice of ma- facturing capacity can result in improved performance in terms of cost, innovativeness, ?exibility, quality and service delivery. Unfortunately the capacity planning problem is not easy to solve because of the lack of clarity in the decisional process, the large number of variables involved, the high correlation among variables and the high level of uncertainty that inevitably a?ects decisions. The aim of this book is to provide a framework and speci?c methods and tools for the selection and con?guration of capacity of Advanced Manufacturing Systems (AMS). In particular this book de?nes an - chitecture where the multidisciplinary aspects of the designofAMSare properly organized and addressed. The tool will support the decisi- maker in the de?nition of the con?guration of the system which is best suited for the particular competitive context where the ?rm operates or wants tooperate. Thisbookisofinterest for academic researchers in the ?eldofind- trial engineering and particularly indicated in the areas of operations and manufacturing strategy.

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.

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 book supplies an overview of recent developments in constitutive modeling, numerical implementation issues, and coupled and dynamic analysis. There is a special section dedicated to the numerical modeling of ground improvement techniques, with applications of numerical methods for solving practical boundary value problems, such as deep excavations, tunnels, shallow and deep foundations, embankments, and slopes. The book not only contains the latest scientific research, it also provides valuable insight into the applications of numerical methods in solving practical engineering problems, thus narrowing the gap between advanced academic research and practical application.

The book highlights and analyses the distress to buildings caused by sulphate-induced heave, with particular reference to the recent problems in the Dublin area of Ireland. It describes the formation of pyrite, the processes involved in its oxidation and the various ways in which consequential expansion takes place. For the first time in the literature it discusses the way that buildings can be raised above their supporting foundation walls by the expansion of pyritiferous fill which has been used beneath ground-bearing floor slabs in Ireland. The significance of fractures through the iron sulphide microcrystals for the rate and extent of oxidation is discussed. Photographs and profiles of sulphate ingress into concrete/concrete blocks are presented. Case histories from the UK, North America and Ireland are discussed.

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 book presents the proceedings of the 3rd Brazilian Technology Symposium (BTSym), which is a multi/trans/interdisciplinary event offering an excellent forum for presentations and discussions of the latest scientific and technological developments in various areas of research, with an emphasis on smart design and future technologies. It brings together researchers, students and professionals from the industrial and academic sectors to discuss current technological issues. Among the main topics covered in this book, we can highlight Artificial Neural Networks, Computational Vision, Security Applications, Web Tool, Cloud Environment, Network Functions Virtualization, Software-Defined Networks, IoT, Residential Automation, Data Acquisition, Industry 4.0, Cyber-Physical Systems, Digital Image Processing, Infrared Images, Patters Recognition, Digital Video Processing, Precoding, Embedded Systems, Machine Learning, Remote Sensing, Wireless Sensor Network, Heterogeneous Networks, Unmanned Ground Vehicle, Unmanned Aerial System, Security, Surveillance, Traffic Analysis, Digital Television, 5G, Image Filter, Partial Differential Equation, Smoothing Filters, Voltage Controlled Ring Oscillator, Difference Amplifier, Photocatalysis, Photodegradation, Cosmic Radiation Effects, Radiation Hardening Techniques, Surface Electromyography, Sickle cell disease methodology, MicroRNAs, Image Processing Venipuncture, Cognitive Ergonomics, Ecosystem services, Environmental, Power Generation, Ecosystem services valuation, Solid Waste and University Extension.

This book integrates and blends traditional theory with particle-energy-field theory in order to provide a framework for the analysis of soil behaviour under varied environmental conditions. Rock mechanics, soil mechanics and hydrogeology are all covered, with an emphasis on environmental factors. Soil properties and classifications are included, as well as issues relating to contaminated land. Both SI and Imperial units are used, and an accompanying website provides example problems and solutions. This book explains the why and how of geotechnical engineering in an environmental context. Students of civil, geotechnical and environmental engineering, and practitioners unfamiliar with the particle-energy-field concept, will find the book's novel approach helps to clarify the complex theory behind geotechnics.

Understanding of the dynamics of plant nutrients in the soil provides scientific basis for efficient nutrient management. Soil organic matter not only provides the nutrients required by the crop but also improve the biological and physical properties of the soil. This book collects and discusses information on production and management of organic manures, biofertilizers, integrated nutrient management in cropping systems and nutrient management in problematic soils. Print and electronic editions not for sale in South Asia (India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bhutan).

Completely revised and updated, taking the scientific rigor to a whole new level, the second edition of the Occupational Ergonomics Handbook is now available in two volumes. This new organization demonstrates the enormous amount of advances that have occurred in the field since the publication of the first edition. The editors have brought together researchers from a wide range of disciplines with pioneering practitioners in industry to cover a diverse list of ergonomics topics. The second edition not only provides more information but makes it more accessible. Each individual volume narrows the focus while broadening the coverage, supplying immediate access to important information. One of the most comprehensive sources for ergonomic knowledge available, providing both sound theory and practical examples, this book is a valuable resource for anyone in the field. Interventions, Controls, and Applications in Occupational Ergonomics begins with descriptions of the elements of the ergonomics processes, including success factors for implementation of industrial ergonomics programs. It includes coverage of injury surveillance database systems and corporate health management for the design and evaluation of health in industrial organizations, ergonomics processes from the small and large industry perspectives, and human digital modeling, as well as facilities planning and organizational design and macro-ergonomics. Additional chapters present methods and techniques for engineering control, including tried and true strategies and pitfalls to avoid, and discuss the theory and practice of ergonomics interventions in the workplace. Using this information as a cornerstone, the book addresses the issues of medical management of work-related musculoskeletal disorders, systems approach to rehabilitation, wrist splints, and application of the clinical lumbar motion monitor. It provides an overview of best practices for ergonomics intervention with respect to the design and use of chairs and office furniture, as well as design of computer keyboards and notebook computers. The book closes with discussions of the problem of medical errors, the challenge and rewards of applying ergonomics in developing areas, and the future of human work.

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.

Improvement of Buildings' Structural Quality by New Technologies contains the final scientific report of the COST C12 action carried out by the European Cooperation in the Field of Scientific and Technical Research (COST) intergovernmental framework. This effort is focused on three broad areas: mixed building technology; structural integrity under exceptional actions; and urban design. This book reports on the progress of this initiative in developing, combining, and disseminating new engineering technologies, improving the quality of urban buildings, initiating new technical solutions for architects and planners, reducing disturbances of the construction process in urban areas, and improving the quality of living in the urban habitat.

SHMII-2'2005 provided international scientists, engineers, enterprisers and young researchers with a forum for exchange about recent advances, potential international cooperation and multi-disciplinary activities. Ideas were pooled about the state-of-the-art, state-of-the-practice, and future trends of smart sensors, advanced sensor networks and integrated systems for structural health monitoring of intelligent infrastructures, and "real-time monitored data" based damage identification and localization, model updating, safety evaluation and reliability forecast and also damage control, maintenance and retrofit decision-making, and life-cycle performance-based design of infrastructures. Topics covered in these proceedings include: Smart and Advanced Sensors, Wireless and Advanced Sensor Networks, Data Acquisition, Processing and Management, Damage Identification and Localization, Model Updating, Safety Evaluation and Reliability Forecasting, Damage Control, Repair and Strengthening, Smart Materials and Structures, Global Positioning Systems (GPS) and Systems Analysing Wind and Earthquake, Hazard Mitigation of Civil Infrastructure, Remote Monitoring Systems, Integrated Systems and Implementations of SHM.

Adds three new chapters (constructed wetlands, stream sediments, and rice production systems) and is updated throughout Examines the adaptation of wetland plants to varying anaerobic soil conditions Provides the basic concepts involved in biogeochemical cycling of nutrients and contaminants in wetlands as related to environmental significance and ecological functions Examines the role of microbial processes in sulfate reduction, denitrification, and methane production Provides case studies for key biogeochemical processes governing wetland function in freshwater wetlands

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.

A perfect introduction to sustainable mining for those new to the subject or those who require some revision, this book provides a basic overview of international sustainable mining practices since 1992, with particular emphasis upon practices in the Americas, Asia and Europe. The text begins by addressing issues such as the volume of waste generated by mining, mine closure planning and the environmental impacts, and then goes into specific detail in the following areas: cleaner production practices in Australia; blasting impacts and their control in the US; minimizing surface water impacts; minimizing groundwater impacts; use of environmental indicators in mining; and emerging mining technologies that minimize environmental impacts. The text contains relevant examples and case histories for ease of revision, and also includes a chapter on Best Mining Practices for Sustainable Mining and sub-chapters on small-scale mining, tailings pond management and hazardous waste management.

This monograph constructs correct extensions of extremal problems, including problems of multicriteria optimization as well as more general cone optimization problems. The author obtains common conditions of stability and asymptotic nonsensitivity of extremal problems under perturbation of a part of integral restrictions for finite and infinite systems of restrictions. Features include individual chapters on nonstandard approximation of finitely additive measures by indefinite integrals and constructions of attraction sets. Professor Chentsov illustrates abstract settings by providing examples of problems of impulse control, mathematical programming, and stochastic optimization.

Landslide Risk Management comprises the proceedings of the International Conference on Landslide Risk Management, held in Vancouver, Canada, from May 31 to June 3, 2005. The first part of the book contains state-of-the-art and invited lectures, prepared by teams of authors selected for their experience in specific topics assigned to them by the JTC-1 Committee. The second part is a selection of papers submitted to the conference, most of which serve as case-history illustrations of projects on landslide risk management. This reference work presents the current status of landslide risk management as viewed by experts from around the world.

A presentation of the various aspects of site management which engineers need to understand if they are to be commercially competitive. It is intended to enable the reader to learn from the mistakes of others in their field and to benefit from ideas which have been proven to work well in the past. It looks at good site practice and management techniques, programmes, tenders, construction methods, all types of resource procurement, health and safety, planning systems and people skills. It draws on examples from the author's extensive experience of site supervision and offers engineers embarking on the area of site management a practical working guide.

The demand on land to produce food, for urban development such as housing, industry, shopping areas, infrastructure and also for recreation has increased during the history of mankind. This has resulted in such activities as the reclamation of swamps, flood plains, tidal areas and even lakes by impoldering. Model simulations can be use to gain insight into the system behaviour of different land use and soil composition under temperate humid and humid tropic conditions, The existing package OPOL, based on a non steady model, was further developed to the version OPOL5 for the simulation of hydrological conditions and optimization of the main components of water management systems in polder areas in the temperate humid and humid tropical zone. This model reveals a system's behaviour as well as the effects of variation in the main components of the systems to the overall costs. For example, the designs of pumped drainage systems in polder areas can be optimized by varying the main components until the annual equivalent costs are minimum. A GIS tool has been used to complement OPOL5 for the simulation of the real situation in an area with respect to land use, damage, topography, and soil type. The model package has been applied to two case studies: one in the temperate humid zone, namely the Netherlands and to Thailand in the humid tropical zone.

Civil engineering has an important part to play at every stage of the nuclear fuel cycle - from the choice of site and conception of the design of a major power station or fuel plan through modifications during operations, to the final stages of designing and building waste management stores and repositories. Technical demands on designers and builders of nuclear plants are ever increasing and together with ever greater safety requirements the designer has to consider natural and man-made disasters. Inevitably increased safety and quality standards result in increased costs. This book examines ways in which the industry has responded to this challenge with new methods of construction giving higher productivity and faster construction times.

Solutions for soil engineering and soil-structure interaction problems need realistic and pertinent experimental and modelling tools. In this work, extensive developments proposed by the invited speakers of the Lyon International Symposium held in September 2003 are presented, including experimental investigations into deformation properties; laboratory, in-situ and field observation interpretations; behaviour characterisation and modelling; and case histories. The contributions include recent investigations into anisotropy and non-linearity, the effects of stress-strain-time history, ageing and time effects, yielding, failure and flow, cyclic and dynamic behaviour. In addition, advanced geotechnical testing is applied to real engineering problems, and to ways of synthesising information from a range of sources while engaging in practical site characterisation studies.

FEM updating allows FEMs to be tuned better to reflect measured data. It can be conducted using two different statistical frameworks: the maximum likelihood approach and Bayesian approaches. This book applies both strategies to the field of structural mechanics, using vibration data. Computational intelligence techniques including: multi-layer perceptron neural networks; particle swarm and GA-based optimization methods; simulated annealing; response surface methods; and expectation maximization algorithms, are proposed to facilitate the updating process. Based on these methods, the most appropriate updated FEM is selected, a problem that traditional FEM updating has not addressed. This is found to incorporate engineering judgment into finite elements through the formulations of prior distributions. Case studies, demonstrating the principles test the viability of the approaches, and. by critically analysing the state of the art in FEM updating, this book identifies new research directions.