10 Articles Published

1. CHARACTERIZATION OF BIOCHARS FROM DIFFERENT FEEDSTOCKS AND PYROLYSIS TEMPERATURES:TOWARD A “SOLAR BIOCHAR”

Authors: M. CITOSSI

Abstract: Recently, attention has been given to an innovative class of biochar derived from solar pyrolysis because of its potential to provide an efficient, environmentally acceptable, and cost-effective method for the exploitation of a totally renewable energy source to obtain pyrolyzation, such as solar irradiation. A simple and innovative prototype for biomass pyrolysis is presented, together with some experimental results. The setup allows only the thermal solar energy provided by a system of reflecting mirrors (Linear Mirror II) to heat a selected and local agro-waste biomass. Characterization and effects of biomass which was thermally treated using the Linear Mirror II to perform pyrolysis only through solar energy and without any help from other thermal auxiliary sources is discussed too.

Keywords: Renewable Energy, biochar; Solar Biomass Conversion; Concentrated Solar Energy; Solar Pyrolysis; Linear Mirror.

Pages: 1 - 3 | DOI: 10.15224/978-1-63248-122-1-07

2. APPLICATION OF MULTIVARIATE EWMA FOR PERFORMANCE MONITORING OF RMC

Authors: DEBASIS SARKAR , KEVAL DABASIA

Abstract: Statistical process control is applied in order to monitor and control a process. Statistical process control procedures can be widely applied to understand and improve the production process of construction materials. In performance monitoring of Ready Mix Concrete plant, there are always more than one quality characteristics which affect the performance of concrete and are usually correlated. In this paper, Multivariate exponentially weighted moving average control chart (MEWMA) is applied to monitor the performance of concrete in Ready Mix Concrete plant. The different parameters considered are strength and density at different age of concrete. One difficulty found with multivariate control charts is the interpretation of out-of-control points. The univariate control charts are used to obtain a rough estimate of the sources of Multivariate out-of-control points. EWMA and MEWMA methods are compared for performance monitoring of concrete. The result shows that MEWMA charts are more re

Keywords: Statistical Process Control, Multivariate EWMA, Univariate EWMA, Ready mix Concrete

Pages: 4 - 7 | DOI: 10.15224/978-1-63248-122-1-08

3. NANO-COLIN MATERIAL AND ITS EFFECTIVE ON THE COMPACTION FACTOR FOR SANDY SOIL

Authors: ABDEEN M. EL NAGAR , MAHMOUD M. ABU ZEID

Abstract: This study deals with the effect of addition of nano-Colin on some properties of the soil compared Properties obtained from tests carried out on samples. characteristics were obtained from tests conducted on normal sandy soil samples with those obtained from tests performed on the same samples after the addition of nano Colin them. Was a standard proctor test record on the sandy soil used samples (replacement) and we got the laboratory maximum dry density value, After that we have implemented a sand cone method for in situ density and compaction of which we got a coefficient before the addition of nano-Cullen and show us that compaction factor ratios ranging from 95.3 to 96.8% of the value of the laboratory maximum dry density. After mixing the material nano Colin sandy soil in a certain way and at rates ranging from 3- 4 g / m3 of sand were carried sand Cone method experience of on them for compaction factor become clear to us increase the value of density in situ at a rate ranging fr

Keywords: Nano technology, Synthesis, Nano kaolin, Soil, compaction factor , sand bottle.

Pages: 8 - 12 | DOI: 10.15224/978-1-63248-122-1-09

4. EXPERIMENTAL OBSERVATIONS ON STILLING BASIN DESIGN

Authors: C. CIARAVINO , G. CIARAVINO

Abstract: The present paper points out that studying three-dimensional effects is fundamental for the identification of technical solutions that will help to reduce scours downstream of a stilling basin. The works analysed by means of a physical model are characterized by a marked asymmetry from both the geometric and the hydraulic point of view; as this asymmetry may give rise to random phenomena of stream flow concentration, it can lead to the anomalous working of the stilling basin as well as deep scours in the mobile river bed. This erosion is reproduced in the model and the experimental study has led to variations in the design of the stilling basin that, through the elimination of concentration and asymmetry in the stream flow, have resulted in a drastic reduction in scours.

Keywords: stilling basin, local scours, mobile river bed, experimental tests.

Pages: 13 - 17 | DOI: 10.15224/978-1-63248-122-1-10

5. THE ANALYSIS OF PROJECT DELAY FACTORS USING THE DOUBLE-ROOF HOUSE OF QUALITY

Authors: ABDULWAHAB ABU KWAIK , ENDA FALLON , PAT DONNELLAN

Abstract: One of the biggest engineering concerns in the Middle East is the major delays in infrastructural projects which impact on both their quality and cost. A significant number of projects do not finish on time, are subject to cost overruns and are not completed to the specified quality. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) claims losses of the order of $ 40 Billion per annum as a result of these issues. Information on the factors contributing to project delays was studied. A literature review which determined the main project delay factors was first carried out. An online survey incorporating 66 of these was then developed with the purpose of identifying the most critical factors contributing to project delays. The survey was administered to over 200 specialists in the area of project engineering. This cohort included; Consultants, Business Owners, Project Directors, Project Engineers, Safety and Quality Managers and Contracting Managers. The resulting delay factors were ranked in order of p

Keywords: Project Management, House of Quality, Quality Function Deployment, Integrated Weighted Index and Fuzzy Logic.

Pages: 22 - 26 | DOI: 10.15224/978-1-63248-122-1-12

6. SIMULATION AND FLOWSHEETING OF AGRO-INDUSTRIAL RESIDUES TORREFACTION: THE CASE OF TOMATO PEELS WASTE

Authors: BARLETTA DIEGO , BRACHI PAOLA , GUERRIERO ANTONIO , MICCIO MICHELE

Abstract: Torrefaction is a thermal pretreatment for biomass feedstocks of various origin, which is usually carried out in an inert atmosphere, at ambient pressure and in a temperature range of 200-300 °C. It has the ability to reduce the main logistic and application limitations of biomass, arising from its heterogeneity, low bulk density, low energy density, hygroscopic behavior and fibrous nature. During torrefaction a combustible gas (‘torgas’) consisting of different organic compounds is also produced in addition to the torrefied solid product. In a properly designed and operated torrefaction system the torgas may be combusted to generate heat for the drying and torrefaction steps, thus increasing the overall process efficiency. This paper focuses on the valorization of biomass made available from low-value, wet agro-industrial residues. The aim of this work is to provide the conceptual design and technical analysis of a torrefaction process for recovery and upgrade of wet tomato peels, whi

Keywords: Tomato peels, torrefaction, flowsheeting, simulation, Aspen PlusTM.

Pages: 27 - 31 | DOI: 10.15224/978-1-63248-122-1-13

7. EXPERIMENTAL DETERMINATION OF THE IN PLANE ORTHOTROPIC COMPLIANCE MATRIX OF SINGLE AND DOUBLE LEAVES MASONRY TYPICAL OF SICILIAN HERITAGE

Authors: LAURA ANANIA

Abstract: In the paper the results of an experimental programme aimed both to the assessment and the comparison of the mechanical characteristics of some typologies of a one or two-leaves calcareous brick wallettes scale 1:4 size are discussed. Five Types of wallettes, built by referring to different kind of bricks assemblage have been tested in uniaxial compression, parallel and orthogonal to the mortar bed joints, and in diagonal compression. The data obtained permits us to investigate the dependence of the mechanical proprieties of the masonry from the geometrical typology, in order to better set up a retrofitting design of the damaged masonry by taking into account the real material models.

Keywords: component, formatting, style, styling, insert

Pages: 32 - 38 | DOI: 10.15224/978-1-63248-122-1-29

8. EFFECT OF DIMENSION AND ANALYTICAL MODELLING TECHNICS OF U –SHAPED SHEAR WALL ON BEHAVIOR OF RC BUILDINGS

Authors: ALI KOCAK , HASAN VEHBI ERSOY , MUZAFFER BOREKCI

Abstract: U – shaped shear walls are commonly used in buildings to surround elevators and stairs. In process of design of a new building or evaluation of an existing building, analytical model of this type of shear wall is important to estimate reliable results. U – Shaped shear wall can be modelled with shell element or equivalent frame element. It is obvious that using shell element gives closer results, however using shell element increases the analysis duration and long analysis duration is not preferred by the engineers. In this study, effect of U – shaped shear wall with different leg length and using different modelling technics such as shell element and equivalent frame element has been investigated.

Keywords: U – shaped shear wall, reinforced concrete building, modal analysis, frame element, shell element

Pages: 39 - 43 | DOI: 10.15224/978-1-63248-122-1-30

9. EXPERIMENTAL STUDY ON CONTINUOUS RC FLAT SLABS WITH OPENINGS STRENGTHENED WITH CFRP

Authors: M. S. IBRAHEEM , M. S. SHOUKRY , T. M. ALTONI

Abstract: Introducing openings in existing reinforced concrete slabs can severely weaken the slabs due to the cut out of both concrete and reinforcing steel which affects the overall behavior of the slab. This paper examines, experimentally, both the effect of openings either in column/field strips or in column/column strips and the effect of strengthening the opened flat slabs with sheets of Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymers (CFRP) as a way of restoring the original load capacity of the flat slabs without openings. A total of five large scale reinforced concrete (RC) slabs were tested up to failure. It was found that the location of the opening is effective on the behavior as it affects the ductility, toughness and failure modes. Also, it was concluded that CFRP strengthening of slabs with openings affects both failure load and failure mode of slab. Due to presence of openings, the specimens showed a decrease in failure load capacity by about 25% with respect to the control slab S1. The use of C

Keywords: Flat Slab, Openings, Strengthening, CFRP, Continuous, Debonding.

Pages: 44 - 51 | DOI: 10.15224/978-1-63248-122-1-31

10. A GRAPHICAL USER INTERFACE FOR DYNAMICS AND FEEDBACK CONTROL STUDIES: FOCUS ON CHEMICAL REACTORS

Authors: MICHELE MICCIO

Abstract: A program in MATLAB’s Graphical User Interface (GUI) is developed to study dynamic behavior and traditional PID control of simple nonlinear reference systems, such as a discontinuous batch reactor and a continuous bioreactor. Once either system is selected by the GUI user, the program underlying the GUI provides simulation for various values of the input variables in an easy and intuitive way, showing a strong educational value. It allows exploration of simulation, modeling and control for users without theoretical knowledge.

Keywords: Batch reactor, bioreactor, simulation, non-linear systems, dynamics, education, Graphical User Interface, MATLAB, PID control

Pages: 52 - 56 | DOI: 10.15224/978-1-63248-122-1-32