The use of fossil fuels has generated an increasing amount of interest in renewable energy resources. Energy policies and management are of primary importance to achieve the development of sustainability and need to be consistent with recent advances in energy production and distribution. Challenges lie as much in the conversion from renewable energies such as wind and solar to useful forms like electricity, heat and fuel at an acceptable cost (including environmental damage) as in the integration of these resources into an existing infrastructure. This volume includes collaborative research between different disciplines, including materials, energy networks, new energy resources, storage solutions, waste to energy systems, smart grids and many other related subjects.

Transportation in urban areas, with its related environmental and social impacts, is of significant concern for government policymakers and for the urban citizens who need efficient transport systems. This book presents extensive reviews of these systems to devise and then safeguard their operational use, maintenance, safety and security. The continuing requirement for better and more efficient urban transport systems and the need for a healthier environment has added to the increasing international desire for new technologies and developments in this essential field. The variety of topics covered reflects the complex interaction of urban transport systems with their environment and the need to establish integrated strategies.

The selected papers contained in this book present the latest research in one of the most challenging, yet most universally applicable areas of technology. Multiphase flows are found in all areas of technology and the range of related problems of interest is vast, including many areas of science and engineering. Recently multiphase fluid dynamics have generated a great deal of attention, leading to many notable advances in experimental, analytical and numerical studies. It is perhaps, however, work on numerical solutions which is the most noticeable owing to the continuing improvements in computer software tools. Progress in numerical methods has permitted the solution of many practical problems, helping to improve our understanding of the physics involved. The presented papers illustrate the close interaction between numerical modellers and researchers working to gradually resolve the many outstanding issues in our understanding of multiphase flow.

Comprising specially selected papers this book presents trans-disciplinary research on issues related to the nature of water, and its use and exploitation by society. The valuable research contained in this book demonstrates the need to bridge the gap between physical, biological, environmental and health sciences. Water is essential for sustaining life on our planet, nevertheless its unequal distribution is a source of permanent conflict. It is predicted that population growth and irregular rainfall, due to climate change, may lead to more restricted access to water in certain regions of the world. This problem is made even more severe by human actions that can cause degradation to nature and the environment. The availability of clean and inexpensive water can no longer be taken for granted as the need for water continues to increase due a growing global population. Heavy water consumers such as agriculture and industry often contribute to its contamination. Water distribution networks in urban areas and soiled water collection systems, present serious problems as well as the need to maintain ageing infrastructures. Possible technologically solutions, such as desalination or pumping systems are energy demanding but, as costs rise, the techniques currently developed may need to be re-assessed.

Comprising specially selected papers, this book refers to all aspects of urban environment and provides solutions that lead towards sustainability. These research studies include contributions that have been made from a diverse range of researchers, resulting in a variety of topics and experiences. Urban areas face a number of challenges related to reducing pollution, improving main transportation and infrastructure systems and these challenges can contribute to the development of social and economic imbalances and require the development of new solutions. The challenge is to manage human activities, pursuing welfare and prosperity in the urban environment, whilst considering the relationships between the parts and their connections with the living world. The dynamics of its networks (flows of energy matter, people, goods, information andother resources) are fundamental for an understanding of the evolving nature of today's cities. Large cities represent a productive ground for architects, engineers, city planners, social and political scientists able to conceive new ideas and time them according to technological advances and human requirements. The multidisciplinary components of urban planning, the challenges presented by the increasing size of cities, the amount of resources required and the complexity of modern society are all addressed.

Research studies on the preparation for and mitigation of future earthquakes, an area of increasing importance to many countries around the world, comprise this volume. The selected papers included in this book have been prepared by experts from around the world in the fields of earthquake engineering relevant to the design of structures. As the world's population has concentrated in urban areas resulting in buildings in regions of high seismic vulnerability, we have seen the consequences of natural disasters take an ever higher toll on human existence. Protecting the built environment in earthquake-prone regions involves not only the optimal design and construction of new facilities, but also the upgrading and rehabilitation of existing structures including heritage buildings, which is an important area of research. Major earthquakes and associated effects, such as tsunamis, continue to stress the need to carry out more research and a better understanding of these phenomena is required to design earthquake resistant buildings and to carry out risk assessment and vulnerability studies.

Safety and Security Studies is an interdisciplinary area of research and this book includes specially selected papers. These papers encompass the work of engineers, scientists, field researchers and other specialists involved in one or more of the theoretical and practical aspects of safety and security. Due to the interdisciplinary nature of this field it forms an area of research and application that brings together in a systematic way, many disciplines of engineering, from the traditional to the most technologically advanced. This volume covers topics such as crisis management, security engineering, natural and man-made disasters and emergencies, risk management, and control, protection and mitigation issues.

Comprising specially selected papers on the subject of Computational Methods and Experimental Measurements, this book includes research from scientists, researchers and specialists who perform experiments, develop computer codes and carry out measurements on prototypes. Improvements relating to computational methods have generated an ever-increasing expansion of computational simulations that permeate all fields of science and technology. Validating the results of these improvements can be achieved by carrying out committed and accurate experiments, which have undertaken continuous development. Current experimental techniques have become more complex and sophisticated so that they require the intensive use of computers, both for running experiments as well as acquiring and processing the resulting data. This title explores new experimental and computational methods and covers various topics such as: Computer-aided Models; Image Analysis Applications; Noise Filtration of Shockwave Propagation; Finite Element Simulations.

Containing selected papers on Materials Characterisation this volume presents the latest research in the field. Material and contact characterisation is a rapidly advancing field that requires the application of a combination of numerical and experimental methods. Contributions come from both industry and research communities using computational methods and performing experiments. Demand for high quality production from both industry and consumers has led to rapid developments in materials science and engineering. Current research is focussed on modification technologies that can increase the surface durability of materials. The characteristics of the system reveal which surface engineering methods should be chosen and as a consequence it is essential to study the combination of surface treatment and contact mechanics. The accurate characterisation of the physical and chemical properties of materials requires the application of both experimental techniques and computer simulation methods in order to gain a correct analysis. A very wide range of materials, starting with metals through polymers and semiconductors to composites, necessitates a whole spectrum of characteristic experimental techniques and research methods.

Containing a series of specially selected papers, this book deals with advances in disciplines contributing to sustainable development, such as planning, architecture, engineering, policy making, environmental sciences and economics, and identifies solutions to challenges posed by sustainable development. Written by researchers and practitioners from many different countries, the included papers provide a unique reference of experience and potential solutions to common problems via the application of planning and development strategies, assessment tools and decision making processes.

Containing selected papers on the fundamentals and applications of Complexity Science, this multi-disciplinary book presents new approaches for resolving complex issues that cannot be resolved using conventional mathematical or software models. Complex Systems problems can occur in a variety of areas such as physical sciences and engineering, the economy, the environment, humanities and social and political sciences. Complexity Science problems, the science of open systems consisting of large numbers of diverse components engaged in rich interaction, can occur in a variety of areas such as physical sciences and engineering, the economy, the environment, humanities and social and political sciences. The global behaviour of these systems emerges from the interaction of constituent components and is unpredictable but not random. The key attribute of Complex Systems is the ability to self-organise and adapt to unpredictable changes in their environment. Renown complexity thinkers and practitioners as well as those who are new to the area of complexity will find interest in this book.

Studies, repairs and maintenance of heritage architecture are becoming increasingly important in modern society. The rapid growth recently experienced in many regions of the world has added a particular urgency to the need to preserve our built cultural heritage. This requires the collaboration of different parties including not only architects, engineers and scientists but also artists, socio-economic professionals and all other stakeholders to ensure the effective integration of the rehabilitated buildings within the community. Comprising specially selected papers, this book addresses a series of topics related to the historical aspects and reuse of heritage architecture, as well as technical issues on the structural integrity of different types of buildings. Restoration processes require the appropriate characterisation of materials, the modes of construction and the structural behaviour of the building. Modern computer simulation can provide accurate results demonstrating the stress state of the building and possible failure mechanisms affecting its stability. Equally important are studies related to their dynamic and earthquake behaviour, aiming to provide an assessment of the seismic vulnerability of heritage buildings. Of particular interest is the need for Heritage Building rehabilitation to conform to energy consumption reduction goals framed within climate change initiatives. It is necessary to encourage actions to improve energy efficiency, harmonised with both appropriate amounts of investment and transnational commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Formed of presented papers this volume contains research from the 40th International Conference on Boundary Elements and other Mesh Reduction Methods, recognised as THE international forum for the latest advances in these techniques and their applications in science and engineering. The ongoing success of this series is a result of the strength of research being carried out all over the world and the coverage has continually evolved in line with the latest developments in the field. The books originating from this conference series constitute a record of the development of BEM/MRM, running from the initial successful development of boundary integral techniques into the boundary element method, a technique that eliminates the need for an internal mesh, to the recent and most sophisticated Mesh Reduction and even Meshless Methods. Since these methods are used in many engineering and scientific fields the 2017 book, Boundary Elements and other Mesh Reduction Methods, like the series before, will be of great interest to those working within the areas of numerical analysis, boundary elements and meshless methods. The research papers included in this volume cover: Advanced formulations; Advanced meshless and mesh reduction methods; Structural mechanics applications; Solid mechanics; Heat and mass transfer; Electrical engineering and electromagnetics; Computational methods; Fluid flow modelling; Damage mechanics and fracture; Dynamics and vibrations; Engineering applications; Interfacing with other methods; Coupling with design and manufacturing; Solution of large systems of equations.

This book contains papers presented at the 1st International Conference on Timber Structures, which was held in collaboration with the Technical Centre of Wood Industry in Belgium. It explores the latest developments in wood products and their application as structural components. The focus of the included works is to draw attention to new research and real applications from both researchers and practitioners, and to present new and innovative ideas in this significant field. Rapid advances have recently been made in the development and processing of innovative ecologically friendly wood products. A variation of new structural shapes can now be fabricated and used to construct buildings and bridges that have minimal impact on the environment. Wood is particularly appealing since it is renewable and has no carbon footprint when it is harvested in a sustainable way. Timber structures are ecologically sound and comparatively low cost. The material lends itself to ground-breaking designs and new types of composites offer reliable, robust and safe materials. The content of this book comprises a range of topics: Material properties of wood; Durability aspects, service life modelling; Fire safety of timber structures; Protection against decay; Non-destructive inspection and monitoring; Glued, laminated structures, Xlam and CLT; Timber joints and connections; Vernacular wood and heritage timber structures; Timber housing and eco-architecture; Timber bridges; Large span timber roof structures; Shell structures in timber; Mixed, composite and hybrid structures; Computational analysis and experimental methods; Structural engineering and design; Seismic behaviour of timber structures; Protection of timber; Repaired timber structures; Rapidly assembled and transferable timber structures; Guidelines, codes and regulations; Structural failures; Art and craftsmanship.

Recent major earthquakes, tsunamis, hurricanes, floods and other natural phenomena have resulted in huge losses in terms of human life and property destruction. A new range of human-made disasters have afflicted humanity in modern times; terrorist activities have been added to more classical disasters such as those due to the failure of industrial installations. It is important to understand the nature of these global risks to be able to develop strategies to prepare for these events and plan effective responses in terms of disaster management and the associated human health impacts. The selected papers contained in this book have been written by academics and professionals and represent some of the latest developments in the field.

Grouping a selection of papers from the 12th International Conference on Urban Regeneration and Sustainability, this book refers to all aspects of urban environment and provides solutions that lead towards sustainability. The series maintains its strong reputation and a substantial number of contributions have been made from a diverse range of transnational delegates, resulting in a variety of topics and experiences. Urban areas face a number of challenges related to reducing pollution, improving main transportation and infrastructure systems and these challenges can contribute to the development of social and economic imbalances and require the development of new solutions. The challenge is to manage human activities, pursuing welfare and prosperity in the urban environment, whilst considering the relationships between the parts and their connections with the living world. The dynamics of its networks (flows of energy matter, people, goods, information and other resources) are fundamental for an understanding of the evolving nature of today's cities. Large cities represent a productive ground for architects, engineers, city planners, social and political scientists able to conceive new ideas and time them according to technological advances and human requirements. The multidisciplinary components of urban planning, the challenges presented by the increasing size of cities, the amount of resources required and the complexity of modern society are all addressed. The published papers cover the following fields: Urban Strategies; Urban Conservation and Regeneration; Urban Transportation and Planning; Architectural Issues; Spatial Conflicts in the City; Intelligent Environment; Quality of Life; Cultural Heritage Sites; The Community and the City; Environmental Management; Planning, Development and Management; Planning for Risk and Natural Hazards; Waste Management; Water Resources.

Containing papers presented at the 7th International Conference on Energy and Sustainability, this volume includes collaborative research between different disciplines, including materials, energy networks, new energy resources, storage solutions, waste to energy systems, smart grids and many other related subjects. Energy production and distribution matters as well as the need to respond to the modern world's dependency on conventional fuels are topics of growing importance. The use of fossil fuels has generated an increasing amount of interest in renewable energy resources and the search for maintainable energy policies. Energy policies and management are of primary importance to achieve the development of sustainability and need to be consistent with recent advances in energy production and distribution. Challenges lie as much in the conversion from renewable energies such as wind and solar to useful forms like electricity, heat and fuel at an acceptable cost (including environmental damage) as in the integration of these resources into an existing infrastructure. A range of topics are covered, including: Energy Management; Energy Efficiency; Green Buildings; Energy and Transport; Biomass and Biofuels; Environment and Energy: Connection and Opportunities; Renewable Energy Sources; Waste to Energy; CO2 Capturing and Management; Case Studies; Processing of Oil and Gas.

Forming the 23rd addition to a successful series, this book contains papers presented by an extensive selection of international delegates at the 23rd International Conference on Urban Transport and the Environment. Due to its continued success and multiplicity of topics, the series is considered to be a leading source of new research in the area of transport engineering. Transportation in urban areas, with its related environmental and social impacts, is of significant concern for government policymakers and for the urban citizens who need efficient transport systems. Extensive reviews of these systems are required to devise and then safeguard their operational use, maintenance, safety and security. The continuing requirement for better and more efficient urban transport systems and the need for a healthier environment has added to the increasing international desire for new technologies and developments in this essential field. The variety of topics covered reflects the complex interaction of urban transport systems with their environment and the need to establish integrated strategies. These topics include: Urban Strategies; Urban Transport Planning and Management; Public Policies and Governance; Public Transport Systems; Transportation Modelling and Simulation; Mobility and Public Space; Eco-mobility Transport Systems; Infrastructure Development; Innovations in Transport; Environmental Impact; Traffic Control; Human Factor and Railway Safety; Safety and Security; Traffic Accidents; Travel Behaviour Studies; Railway Systems.

Containing papers presented at the 9th International Conference on Sustainable Development and Planning this volume brings together the work of academics, policy makers, practitioners and other international stakeholders and discusses new academic findings and their application in planning and development strategies, assessment tools and decision making processes. Problems related to development and planning are present in all areas and regions of the world. Accelerated urbanisation has resulted in both the deterioration of the environment and quality of life. Taking into consideration the interaction between different regions and developing new methodologies for monitoring, planning and implementation, new strategies can offer solutions mitigating environmental pollution and non-sustainable use of available resources. Energy saving and eco-friendly buildings have become an important part of modern day progress with emphasis on resource optimisation. Planning is a key part in ensuring that these solutions along with new materials and processes are efficiently incorporated. Planners, environmentalists, architects, engineers and economists have to work collectively to ensure that present and future needs are met. The papers in the book cover a number of topics, including: City planning; Urban architecture; Regional planning; Sustainability and the built environment; Environmental management; Cultural heritage; Quality of life; Sustainable solutions in emerging countries; Sustainable tourism; Transportation; Community planning; Timber structures; Governance; Socio-economic issues; Mobility in the city; Energy efficiency; Education for sustainable development; Case studies; Sustainable development indicators.

This multi-disciplinary book presents new approaches for resolving complex issues that cannot be resolved using conventional mathematical or software models.Complex Systems occur in an infinite variety of problems encompassing fields as diverse as economics, the environment, humanities, social and political sciences, physical sciences and engineering. The papers in the book cover such topics as: Complex business processes; Supply chain complexity; Complex adaptive software; Management of complexity; Complexity in social systems; Complexity in engineering; Complex issues in biological and medical sciences; Complex energy systems Complexity and evolution.

The 8th International Conference on Sustainable Development and Planning is part of a series of biennial conferences on the topic of sustainable regional development which began in Greece in 2003. The papers included in these proceedings report on the latest advances from scientists specialising in the range of subjects included within sustainable development and planning.Planners, environmentalists, architects, engineers, policy makers and economists have to work together in order to ensure that planning and development can meet our present needs without comprising the ability of future generations.The use of modern technologies in planning gives us new potential to monitor and prevent environmental degradation. Problems related to development and planning, which affect both rural and urban areas, are present in all regions of the world and accelerated urbanisation has resulted in both the deterioration of the environment and quality of life. Urban development can also intensify problems faced by rural areas such as forests, mountain regions and coastal areas, which urgently require solutions in order to avoid irreversible damage. The papers in the book cover the following topics: City Planning; Urban Strategies; Sustainability and the Built Environment; Regional Planning; Environmental Planning and Management; Costal Regions; Sustainable Solutions in Emerging Countries; Policies and Planning; Socio Economic Issues; Community Planning; Culture and Heritage; Energy Resources; Transportation; Mobility and Urban Space; Air Quality; Water Management; Waste Water.

The papers presented in this volume aim to update the use of advanced systems, promoting their general awareness throughout the management, design, manufacture and operation of railways and other emerging passenger, freight and transit systems. The book particularly emphasizes the use of computer systems in advanced railway engineering.Topics covered include: Communications and signalling; Operations quality; Energy supply and consumption; Monitoring and maintenance; Computer simulations Planning and policy; Operational planning; Safety and security; Rescheduling; Timetable planning.

Flooding is a global phenomenon that claims countless lives worldwide each year. When flooding occurs in populated areas, it can cause substantial damage to property as well as threatening human life. Apart from the physical damage to buildings, contents and loss of life, which are the most obvious impacts of floods upon households, indirect losses are often overlooked. These indirect and intangible impacts are generally associated with disruption to normal life as well as longer term health issues including stress related illness. In many parts of the developing world, flooding can represent a major barrier to the alleviation of poverty as vulnerable communities are often exposed to sudden and life threatening events. How we respond and adapt to the challenges of flooding is key to developing our long term resilience.This book provides a platform for the work of researchers, academics and practitioners actively involved in improving our understanding of flood events and our approaches to response, recovery and resilience.A wide range of technical and management topics related to flooding and its impact are included: Flood management; Flood warning; Flood risk adaptation Flood protection - products and processes; Flood risk modelling; Flood forecasting; Flood vulnerability; Urban flood modelling; Flood risk assessment and recovery; Climate change impact; Socio and economic impact; Flood case studies; Flood damage assessment; Storm water control.

This book addresses the multidisciplinary aspects of urban planning; a result of the increasing size of cities, the amount of resources and services required and the complexity of modern society.Most of the earth's population live in cities and the process of urbanisation continues generating problems originating from the drift of the population towards them. These problems can be resolved by cities becoming efficient habitats, saving resources in a way that improves the standard of living. The process faces a number of challenges related to reducing pollution, improving main transportation and infrastructure systems and these challenges can contribute to the development of social and economic imbalances and require the development of new solutions.Large cities are probably the most complex mechanisms to manage, nevertheless they represent a productive ground for architects, engineers, city planners, social and political scientists able to conceive new ideas and time them according to technological advances and human requirements.The papers in this book cover such topics as: Appropriate technologies for smart cities; Architectural issues; Case studies - sustainable practices; Cultural quarters and interventions; Disaster and emergency response; Eco-town planning; Environmental management; Landscape planning and design; Planning for resilience; Quality of life; Socio-economic and political considerations; Pedestrians behaviour in different situation of traffic, modelling and safety; Sustainable urban regeneration and public space; City and beach; Sustainability and the built environment; Sustainable energy and the city; The community and the city; Transportation; Urban conservation and regeneration; Urban development and management; Urban infrastructure; Urban metabolism; Urban planning and design; Urban safety and security; Urban strategies; Waterfront development.

The papers in this volume deal with the design of many types of buildings in Islamic countries and the influence that these structural forms have had in non-Islamic countries. Coverage will also include construction materials.There is much to learn from past experiences to arrive at solutions that are environmentally sound and sustainable in the long term. As conventional energy resources become scarce, the Islamic design heritage can offer invaluable lessons on how to deal with difficult and extreme environments in an efficient manner. Traditional architecture and urban environment in most Islamic countries is now being eroded by overemphasis on global type of architecture and city planning. Consequently, many regions are losing their identity. The papers review these developments in the light of what the classical Islamic urban designs and architectures have to offer modern society.The papers in this book cover such topics as: Architectural conservation; Architectural heritage; Architecture in Malaysia and Indonesia; Climate adaptability; Conservation and restoration; Historical aspects; Houses and gardens; Islamic art and globalisation; Mosques and minarets; Ottoman Istanbul; Schools; The African Coast; The Islamic urban environment; The Mediterranean region; The use of light; Vernacular architecture; Wood and wooden roofs. The contents will be of interest to all researchers, practitioners and government employees actively involved with Islamic Heritage Architecture.