This book reviews the development of research into the explosive loading of structures, mainly since the beginning of the twentieth century. Major contributions in the fields of measurement, analysis and prediction are discussed. Dynamic loading from conventional high explosives is examined, as well as the effects of liquid propellant, dust, gas, vapour, and fuel/air explosions. Subjects include blast in tunnels, underground and underwater explosions, pressure measurement and blast stimulation. Explosive effects on civil buildings, civil bridges, aircraft and ships are summarized, including the estimation of residual strength. The concluding passages refer to structural safety and reliability.

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Despite significant advances in technology and equipment for rolled steel, the computerization of production processes and the steady increase in production of sheet steel, recent scientific and technological achievements have not been compiled in the special literature and revealed to a wide range of specialists. This book details new approaches, computational techniques, and reliable calculation methods of leaf-rolling modes, forecasting and optimization of the technologies, increasing productivity of the mill and a radical improvement in the quality of steel products.

Since its inception some 40 years ago, petroleum-specific taxation in the UK has been subject to numerous modifications. Often these modifications were brought into place not only to sufficiently incentivise the investors but also to capture a fair share for the government. However, it is evident from the frequency of changes that finding the right balance between these two aims is no easy matter. Such a balance, and the consequent fiscal stability, is necessary for the long-term relationship between the parties to endure to their mutual benefit. Still, it does not take much for one or other party to feel that they are out of balance. As a consequence, one party feels that the other party is taking an undue proportion of the value generated and that they are losing out. Yet achieving that balance and fiscal stability is possible. To understand this possibility, this book first clarifies what is meant by sufficient incentivisation and fair share before developing a new fiscal system that manages this balance and stability. Such clarification yields objective criteria against which to assess not only the existing regime, but also the newly proposed regime. This approach is further complemented by the critical analysis of the fiscal legislative framework and the evaluation of the legal positions of specific contractual elements and mechanisms found within that framework. This latter analysis is important in order to reduce the legal uncertainty such elements may create, which can otherwise lead to further reactive amendments and revisions to the fiscal regime in the future.

Innovation-Based Development of the Mineral Resources Sector: Challenges and Prospects contains the contributions presented at the XI Russian-German Raw Materials Conference (Potsdam, Germany, 7-8 November 2018). The Russian-German Raw Materials Conference is held within the framework of the "Permanent Russian-German Forum on the Issues of the Use of Raw Materials", which has as goals to develop new approaches to effectively use energy, mineral and renewable natural resources and to initiate cooperation in the field of sustainability and environmental protection. The contributions cover current trends in the development of raw materials markets and the world economy, the state of the environment and new technologies applied in the sector, effectively responding to modern challenges. The 63 accepted papers are grouped into four main sections: * Mineral exploration and mining * Mining services * Processing of raw materials * Other Innovation-Based Development of the Mineral Resources Sector: Challenges and Prospects will be of interest to academics and researchers involved in the mineral resources sector, but also to professionals in the public, foreign trade and education fields, and representatives of major corporations and professional associations.

This first Issue in the series contains nine articles written by leading British and American experts from the mining industry, regulatory authorities, and academia, and incorporates the latest research. Following an introductory overview of many of the issues of current concern to the field, the book deals with a wide variety of topics, ranging from the environmental impact of gold mining in the Brazilian Amazon, through the issues relevant to coal mining, vegetative and other remediation strategies and procedures and water pollution, to a thorough analysis of environmental management and policy initiatives. The issues raised in Mining and its Environmental Impact may point the way to future solutions to the economic, technological and environmental problems associated with mining in all its aspects and make this volume key reading for practitioners and researchers in the field, as well as for environmentalists generally.

In There Used to Be Order, Patience Mususa considers social change in the Copperbelt region of Zambia following the re-privatization of the large state mining conglomerate, the Zambia Consolidated Copper Mines (ZCCM), in the mid-1990s. As the copper mines were Zambia's most important economic asset, the sale of ZCCM was considered a major loss to the country. More crucially, privatization marked the end of a way of life for mine employees and mining communities. Based on three years of ethnographic field research, this book examines life for those living in difficult economic circumstances, and considers the tension between the life they live and the nature of an 'extractive area.' This account, unusual in its examination of middle-income decline in Africa, directs us to think of the Copperbelt not only as an extractive locale for copper whose activities are affected by the market, but also as a place where the residents' engagement with the harsh reality of losing jobs and struggling to earn a living after the withdrawal of welfare is simultaneously changing both the material and social character of the place. Drawing on phenomenological approaches, the book develops a theoretical model of 'trying,' which accounts for both Copperbelt residents' aspirations and efforts.

Originally published in 1984. This book addresses the economics of the changing mineral industry, which is highly affected by energy economics. The study estimates, in quantitative terms, the short- to mid-term consequences of rising energy prices alongside falling ore quality for the copper and aluminum industries. The effects of changing cost factors on substitution between metals is assessed as is the potential for relying on increased recycling. Copper and aluminum industry problems should be representative of those faced by the mineral processing sector as a whole. Two complex econometric models presented here produce forecasts for the industries and the book discusses and reviews other econometric commodity models.

The stability of underground and surface geotechnical structures during and after excavation is of great concern as any kind of instability may result in damage to the environment as well as time-consuming high cost repair work. The forms of instability, their mechanisms and the conditions associated with them must be understood so that correct stabilisation of the structure through rock reinforcement and/or rock support can be undertaken. Rock Reinforcement and Rock Support elucidates the reinforcement functions of rock bolts/rock anchors and support systems consisting of shotcrete, steel ribs and concrete liners and evaluates their reinforcement and supporting effects both qualitatively and quantitatively. It draws on the research activities and practices carried out by the author for more than three decades and has culminated in a most extensive up-to-date and a complete treatise on rock reinforcement and rock support.

This book looks at the distribution, occurrences, potential and prospects for good governance, transparency and sustainable development of geological resources in Sub-Saharan Africa. By bringing together numerous different point of views, it is carried out in a holistic, interdisciplinary and scientific way. The states of Sub-Saharan Africa are among the world's most resource-rich regions - yet many of these countries are a long way from attaining their development potential - some are among the least developed in the world. Paradoxically, those countries that are most richly endowed with resources are often the least developed ("paradox of plenty"). This phenomenon is exacerbated in many African countries by inadequate governance; and yet, if the state is unable to provide basic services, the application of social and environmental standards in the extractive and processing sectors will not be effective. The idea for this volume was conceived during an international conference of the Commission de la Communaute Economique et Monetaire de l'Afrique Centrale (CEMAC) on 'Geological Resources and Good Governance in Central Africa' held in September 2009 in Yaounde, Cameroon. International experts from the political, scientific and private sectors, along with civil society, came together and discussed the various demands being placed on good governance and transparency in the Sub-Saharan raw materials sector and the prerequisites that must be met, and considered how to seek answers to future challenges. New forms of inter-sectorial, transnational governance like the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) and civil society's transparency movements like Publish What You Pay (PWYP) offer ways to take account of all the different stakeholder interests in the resources sector. In this book there is also a strong focus on artisanal mining, on gender and on the spread of HIV/AIDS in the mining sector. This publication is addressed to stakeholders in the field, including civil society, international and private development agencies, planners, politicians and decision makers; as well as to researchers such as earth scientists, economists, jurists and political scientists.

A common perception of global resource scarcity holds that it is inevitably a catalyst for conflict among nations; yet, paradoxically, incidents of such scarcity underlie some of the most important examples of international cooperation. This volume examines the wider potential for the experience of scarcity to promote cooperation in international relations and diplomacy beyond the traditional bounds of the interests of competitive nation states. The interdisciplinary background of the book's contributors shifts the focus of the analysis beyond narrow theoretical treatments of international relations and resource diplomacy to broader examinations of the practicalities of cooperation in the context of competition and scarcity. Combining the insights of a range of social scientists with those of experts in the natural and bio-sciences-many of whom work as 'resource practitioners' outside the context of universities-the book works through the tensions between 'thinking/theory' and 'doing/practice', which so often plague the process of social change. These encounters with scarcity draw attention away from the myopic focus on market forces and allocation, and encourage us to recognise more fully the social nature of the tensions and opportunities that are associated with our shared dependence on resources that are not readily accessible to all. The book brings together experts on theorising scarcity and those on the scarcity of specific resources. It begins with a theoretical reframing of both the contested concept of scarcity and the underlying dynamics of resource diplomacy. The authors then outline the current tensions around resource scarcity or degradation and examine existing progress towards cooperative international management of resources. These include food and water scarcity, mineral exploration and exploitation of the oceans. Overall, the contributors propose a more hopeful and positive engagement among the world's nations as they pursue the economic and social benefits derived from natural resources, while maintaining the ecological processes on which they depend.

Originally published in 1987. A powerful combination of the authors' research and practical experience underpin this book's treatment of management and financial strategy in the world mining industry. In contrast with highly theoretical economic treatises on the extractive industries, this account deals with the practical realities of the economic, technical and business structure of the industry, the managerial and investment strategies, and the principle public policy issues. This book will interest all students and researchers in resource economics and it will be useful to officials of mining companies, government agencies, and financing agencies. Economic geologists and environmentalists should also find it relevant to their interests.

Originally published in 1988. Copper is one of the most actively traded commodities. It is a crucial commodity for industrialised countries, most of which depend on imports for their supplies. Copper is also the single most important export for many of the producer-countries. Changes in the patterns of the world trade in copper therefore have an important impact on many countries. This book surveys the state of the world copper industry as it was in the 1980s. It discusses the state of production, demand and trade and assesses trends. Special emphasis is given to the outlook for over capacity, prices and competitive structure.

The TransNav 2011 Symposium held at the Gdynia Maritime University, Poland in June 2011 has brought together a wide range of participants from all over the world. The program has offered a variety of contributions, allowing to look at many aspects of the navigational safety from various different points of view. Topics presented and discussed at the Symposium were: navigation, safety at sea, sea transportation, education of navigators and simulator-based training, sea traffic engineering, ship's manoeuvrability, integrated systems, electronic charts systems, satellite, radio-navigation and anti-collision systems and many others. This book is part of a series of six volumes and provides an overview of Problems in Maritime Navigation, Transport and Shipping and is addressed to scientists and professionals involved in research and development of navigation, safety of navigation and sea transportation.

This textbook covers tools and applications in civil engineering systems. It begins by revising the mathematical and statistical background for the adequate formulation of civil engineering problems. Then it examines a series of topics required to understand infrastructure, facilities and transportation networks, and their planning, maintenance, upgrading and expansion. It covers problem definition, model formulation and decision making systems, including optimization, estimation and prediction. The applications deal with some of the challenges that civil engineers will typically encounter during their professional lives, ranging from municipal planning and infrastructure management to transportation analysis. The treatment of the topics is integral. Tools and examples from real life situations are combined to illustrate the use of methods and principles. Students will learn to understand a system, conceptualize a model, analyse it and make decisions or draw conclusions, just as practising engineers do. A final chapter introduces methods for expanding simple models, adding complexity and incorporating uncertainty. Instructors can choose to cover some of the material from the foundation chapters on mathematics and statistics or directly concentrate on the tools and applications.

Building Systems in Interior Design takes an entirely new approach to teaching this essential topic for Architects, Designers and Building Engineers. Written to prepare students for the real world and packed with practical examples, the book will foster an understanding of specific issues that are critical to those features of technical systems that most directly affect design. The book stresses the ever-present nature of these systems: they are everywhere, all the time. Taking a design oriented view, it outlines what can and cannot be done, and provides the student with the know-how and confidence to defend and promote their design intent when working with other industry professionals. Covering lighting, HVAC, plumbing and much more, the book is packed with key features to aid learning including: Numerous illustrations, plans and photographs Key terms defined in an extensive glossary Chapter introductions that identify key concepts and chapter summaries to re-visit those key concepts Professional design tips And a detailed bibliography and web links This book is not only a core text for interior design, building systems engineering and architecture students but will become an essential working reference through their careers.

General Purpose Simulation System (GPSS) is a special computer programming language primarily used to simulate what can be classified as discrete systems. A discrete system is one where, at any given instant in time, a countable number of things can take place. The basic operation of a mine itself can be considered such a system. Discrete Simulation and Animation for Mining Engineers explains how to model mining systems using GPSS/H (R) and PROOF (R) by Wolverine Software Corporation. Employing a unique approach that encourages engagement from the start, the text discusses animation first, and then slowly introduces simulation language. As each new topic is covered, an animation is provided to illustrate the key concepts.Leveraging valuable insight gained from the author's extensive experience modeling mines around the world, the book: Describes how to apply discrete system simulation to mines Shows how to make those simulations come alive with animation Includes real-world examples and exercises that hone practical problem-solving skills Written by a mining engineer for mining engineers and students of mining, Discrete Simulation and Animation for Mining Engineers offers a comprehensive yet accessible treatment of mine simulation and animation useful in increasing the efficiency of industrial mining processes.